School of Rock Production Success!

Southborough High School and Tolworth Girls’ School collaboration in the musical production of ‘School of Rock’ an Absolute Sensation!!!

On Thursday and Friday evening of last week, hundreds of family members, friends, students and staff of Southborough High School and Tolworth Girls’ School poured into the main school hall of Southborough to watch a special collaborative drama production of the hilarious musical ‘School of Rock’. And boy, did the show really ‘rock’!!!!!

Based on the iconic, hit movie, this irresistible musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a supply teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight –A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful but uptight headmistress, helping her re-discover the wild child within. Featuring 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and all the original songs from the movie, this high-octane smash delivers face-melting guitar riffs and touching romance in equally awesome doses.

Cast, crew, musicians and staff had been working incredibly hard for almost seven months, dedicating so much of their time outside of school hours to attend rehearsal after rehearsal. It was fantastic to bring co-curricular theatre back to Southborough High School and Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth Form once again after a three year break due to the pandemic. Students from both schools absolutely loved working together!  The set – produced by Southborough Art and Technology staff, looked stunning.

The hard work paid off handsomely and the audience were treated to a display of such breath-taking talent and skill from the boys and girls that they were blown away by the production’s professionalism and all-round brilliance! The show itself was incredible fun and full of joy –just the tonic for a cold, damp wintry evening. Whilst everyone played their parts well, special mention should be made to Year 11 student Ediz O who absolutely shone as lead part Dewey F, supported fabulously by  Year 11 Tom B, who played Ned Schneebly.

One of the things which gave the production extra sparkle and energy was the fact that it had a live orchestra. Indeed, the audience were blown away by the skill of the amazing musicians or ‘Pit Band’, who were trained and led by our very own Head of Music Mrs Vee Yendoll.

The Crew performed a marvellous job, ensuring that lighting, sound, props and scenery were exercised on schedule and in a professional manner.

Much credit must be given to the Directors Mrs Chloe Conn, Head of Drama at Southborough and Miss Beth Davies, Head of Drama at Tolworth Girls’ School. Both worked tirelessly for many months, bringing out the very best in every student who took part. Their dedication and commitment to the collaboration paid off handsomely in the delivery of a musical production that, quite frankly, wouldn’t have looked out of place in the West End. As a special reward, our Business Manager Mrs Bennet baked a special celebratory cake for cast and crew to enjoy after the final performance.

Many more students and staff played their part in making the show such a success and special thanks must go to each and every one of them, including those in the cast, working behind the scenes, lighting and sound, front of house  - and more. Thank you also to our P.T.A who raised much needed funds for our school by selling refreshments.

If there’s one thing that was clear from this creative collaboration, it was that the students from both schools worked brilliantly together, bringing out the best in each other. Final thanks must go to Mrs Siobhan Lowe and Mr Niall Smith for supporting the collaboration of Tolworth Girls School and Sixth Form and Southborough High School. Suffice to say, we look forward to many more productions in the future!