School of Rock musical: Andrew Lloyd Webber will bring show to London after rave debut

The composer received his best reviews for two decades with his stage adaptation of the 2003 hit film comedy, which starred Jack Black
A smash: the musical’s cast celebrate on stage at the curtain call
Rex
Tom Teodorczuk7 December 2015

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed School Of Rock, his latest musical, will play at the London Palladium next autumn — after it opened on Broadway in style.

The composer received his best reviews for two decades with his stage adaptation of the 2003 hit film comedy, which starred Jack Black as a failed rock star who becomes a teacher and forms a band with his pupils.

Helen Mirren, Joan Collins, Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood were among those in the audience for the first night of School Of Rock at the Winter Garden Theatre in Times Square, New York.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, 67, told the Standard: “I’m very happy. We look as if we’ve got a hit.

Rocking out: Dame Helen Mirren with Andrew Lloyd Webber at the opening of School Of Rock on Broadway
Rex

“We’re opening next autumn at the London Palladium and then we’ll do a national US tour. It’s been fantastic, the first time any Brit has ever produced a new musical originally on Broadway. So it’s a bit of a night.”

The musical, directed by Briton Laurence Connor, stars Alex Brightman and Sierra Boggess as well as a cast of children who play instruments live.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, who composed Phantom Of The Opera and Cats, has endured a string of West End flops in recent years including Stephen Ward and Phantom sequel Love Never Dies.

But for School Of Rock, the New York Times wrote: “Andrew Lloyd Webber has entered his second childhood, and it turns out to be a good career move.” And Variety enthused: “Rock on, kids, rock on.”

Boggess, who starred in Love Never Dies in the West End, said: “I’ve never felt this energy on an opening night. It was a rock concert the whole time! It’s a joyous show — no one dying at the end of it.”

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Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, who wrote the book to School Of Rock, said: “I think we’ve got standing ovations for every performance. Andrew has his roots in rock’n’roll so he’s going back to his core.”

Lord Fellowes said he had discussed the project with Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Lady Cora in Downton and fronts the rock band Sadie and the Hotheads.

McGovern, who was also at last night’s performance, joked: “I should be given a credit. I love the show!” Glenn Slater, the lyricist for School Of Rock, said Lloyd Webber “pretty much invented the rock musical” and in his new show he “rocked out!”

There was also the seal of approval from Sting, who said: “I had a good time. It’s a fun evening.”

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