SCHOOL OF ROCK Opens at New London Theatre in October

The West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL will begin previews at the New London Theatre on October 24, with opening night on November 14. It's initially booking until February 12, 2017, and public booking opens on May 25.

Based on the hit 2003 film, starring Jack Black, School of Rock features songs from the movie and new music by Lloyd Webber and Glenn Slater, plus a book by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey). It's directed by Laurence Connor, with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, set and costume designs byAnna Louizos, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Mick Potter and music supervision by John Rigby. Open auditions will be held to find the three teams of 13 young performers who will rock out live on stage each night.

Down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star Dewey Finn poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to make ends meet. When he discovers his students' musical talents, he enlists his fifth-graders to form a rock group and conquer the Battle of the Bands.

School of Rock received its world premiere at New York's Winter Garden Theater last November and is nominated for four Tony Awards. Lloyd Webber released the rights for schools and youth groups to create their own productions of the show, a benefit that may now be extended to British institutions.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.SchoolOfRockTheMusical.co.uk

Watch the 360-degree music video of "You're in the Band" from School of Rock

Picture credit: Matthew Murphey