According to their reviewer "the college performing arts scene is back up and running and in very, good health." Congratulations to our cast members, some of whom got an "honorable mention". Read on...

The Marlborough combined college’s production of School of Rock last Thursday, saw students take to the stage and slay the inspiring storyline with enthusiasm and reiterated the four-year void in the arts landscape is well and truly back on the calendar. 

A power cut after Act 1 on the second night, certainly didn’t deter the next crop of budding thespians. Their collective gusto and characterisation, made many in their seats, tapping away and busting for a boogie. Dewey Finn, played by Daniel Brunel, was a great casting.

 The past 12 months has seen the 23-year-old evolve and grow in self-confidence from his ‘dragisms’ as Felicia in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s, Priscilla Queen of the Desert to Dewey, the wannabe rockstar who, after losing his job and being kicked out of his band, pretends to be his mate, Ned Schneebly (Cory Clemett) a substitute teacher at a prestigious school to make some extra cash.

The facade has him placed into a class of students who we come to see actually struggle to feel accepted by their parents - who have strict ideas of what success is - and watch their self-acceptance grow through music. While Dewey is not a qualified teacher, he teaches his students, seemingly by accident, to not take life too seriously, and that it’s not all about reading, writing and maths. He wasn’t the only cast member the audience adored, and I think a big reason behind this was how relatable everyone was.

From the worn-out teachers to the bossy girlfriend Patty Dimarco (Jess Sinclair) who had the real Ned Schneebly wrapped around her finger. The character development of Principal Rosalie Mullins played by the talented Eden Somerville was also entertaining. It was contextual, hearing dialogue brought back to the real, modern world with highlighting women’s pay inequalities.

As for ‘who is Led Zeppelin?’ Bless. It was one of those musicals that don’t actually feel like a musical with the catchy rock tunes and the voices of the students beyond what you might expect from a teen. The power of the arts and more funding in the curriculum? It’s a no brainer. As well as the singing and acting which seemed to be easier than breathing for the cast, the attention to detail of the set didn’t go unnoticed. From the rock posters on Dewey’s bedroom wall to sparkling pointed boots, no stone seemed to go unturned. Other notable mentions were Summer Spragg, playing Summer, Jed Cornelius with his ‘Billyisms’, Jessica Schmidt (Tomika) and Luca Handisides (Zack). The college performing arts scene is indeed back up and running and in very, good health. We salute you.