School of Rock – The Musical, The Theatre Royal Dumfries

It’s testament to the quality of productions that young theatre maker Nadine McDonald puts on in her home town of Dumfries that tickets sell out for her summer shows almost as soon as they are released.

Having received rave reviews for Annie Jnr in 2021, Matilda Jnr in 2022, and Oliver Jnr last year, Nadine chose School of Rock (The Next Generation – The Musical) for her 2024 M&N Productions show at The Theatre Royal this August, double-casting to give as many of her young performers as possible the chance to shine, while maintaining the high standards and production values for which she is known and respected.

Director Nadine McDonald with Stage Manager Hamish Bell. (Image: Courtesy of Nadine McDonald) Not everyone would (or could) work with such a large group of young performers but Nadine’s bravery is rewarded, largely because she excels in getting the best from everyone, casting well in the principal roles and drawing out strong performances from everyone who takes to her stage. It’s little wonder that so many youngsters clamour to be part of her shows every summer, and its credit to the talented family of cast and crew she creates, that those shows are always ones that professionals would be proud of. Her I was lucky enough to be one of the hundreds people who saw School of Rock during its four night / six show run, and I have to say that it’s the best M&N Productions show yet.

Director and choreographer Nadine, who is studying at The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television, took the musical, based on the Paramount movie, and put her own stamp on it, serving up a high-octane, high-voltage show that truly rocked. I’m not sure the stage at Scotland’s oldest working theatre will ever recover from the most energetic, floor-lifting dancing it has ever seen, and the energy and exuberance of the young cast - clearly having the time of their lives as the Horace Green prep school pupils learning how to ‘Stick it to the Man’ as part of their rock ‘n’ roll musical awakening – will live long in the memory.

School of Rock The Next Generation – The Musical by M&N Productions (Image: Alan Peterson) As for the principals – well, Zac McGuire excelled as Dewey Finn, the role made famous by Jack Black in the movie. “Jack who? Zac, that’s who!” was one of the comments I heard as the curtain came down, and I had to agree - this talented young man made the role his own. He was ably supported by Owen Kennedy as Ned Schneebly, who’s having a great run on the local theatre scene at the moment.

It’s always good to see Ruairi McCormack (making the most of every moment as No Vacancy’s front man); Molly McTier and Abi Kelly (sharing the role of Horace Green’s under-pressure principal Rosalie) – their versions of ‘Where Did the Rock Go?’ were heartfelt and so poignant - and Ella McTier and Tess Harper playing Patty. They are all shining examples of Dumfries & Galloway’s young theatre and performing arts scene, definitely our ‘ones to watch’ – as are the rest of the cast - Jacob, Jamie, Emilia, Sam, Stella, Skye, Maddie, Lilly, Lexi, Louise P, Millie, Blair, Louise G, Emmy, Daisy B, Erin, Poppy, Bella, Libby W, Eilish, Daisy C, Aubrie, Bethany, Cerys, Daisy G, Tori, Libby S, Hannah, Alice - all A-star pupils in this School of Rock.

Director Nadine McDonald with Stage Manager Hamish Bell. (Image: Alan Peterson) It was clear how hard they had worked, how much it meant to them to be able to perform at The Theatre Royal, and their exuberance and joy was a powerful reminder that Nadine doesn’t just put on shows to remember, she gives young performers life-enhancing experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. And that’s what truly rocks.

The crew: Director and choreographer – Nadine McDonald Stage design – Stewart McDonald Costume – Christine Weir Stage Manager – Hamish Bell Sound and lights – Dale Muir

School of Rock The Next Generation – The Musical by M&N Productions (Image: Alan Peterson)