School of Rock hits the Granville Theatre tomorrow!

Based on the hilarious 21-year-old hit movie, The Granville Theatre’s production of School of Rock kicks off tomorrow evening with an epic four-day showcase running from the 14th to the 17th of February.

Thanet’s favourite thespian Drayson Goldfinch is playing the role of Dewey Finn and we caught up with him to discuss the role in depth in addition to the wonderful cast starring alongside him and what those who have bought a ticket to this masterpiece can expect to witness…

From a personal perspective, how much did you enjoy the School of Rock film growing up whilst in school and how excited are you to be playing the role of Dewey Finn, portrayed by the great Jack Black? 

 

Like many other people, School of Rock is one of my absolute favourite go-to films. On any given day, I can just stick it on and enjoy it no matter how recently I watched it. Jack Black is iconic in the film and, of course, when you mention School of Rock and Dewey Finn, people automatically expect your performance to be somewhat Jack Black-esque although that is a very tall order as there is only one Jack Black.

 

Therefore, I have to put my spin on it, but making sure to keep in some of the iconic lines and actions that Jack brought to the film and at the same time not trying to be an imitation of Jack Black, as this would be a poor imitation.

Also, I will be paying tribute to the fantastic performance that comes from Broadway from Alex Brightman who plays Dewey Finn on Broadway and is incredible. He brings his own unique and superb style to the role. I aim to bring something that pays tribute to Jack and Alex but simultaneously adds my twist to the role.

 

 

How much have you enjoyed working alongside the star-studded children’s cast and can you tell us about some of the incredible talent that will be on display this February? 

Working with the kids has been something completely different to what I am used to. Usually, you act alongside an adult cast and the kids will be part of a chorus or there will be separate roles between the kids and the adults. However, very much like Fagan in Oliver, I find myself surrounded by the kids throughout most of the show.

They are phenomenal and I beg you to come and see them on stage where they will shine like the little stars that they are. They bring energy beyond their years and it only helps drive me to perform better.

 

 

Your role as Dewey Finn will be extremely high energy on stage as well as a vocal challenge, how much have you enjoyed working on this in rehearsals and how would you compare this role to the many other iconic characters that you have played over the years? 

Rehearsals have been extremely intense. I find myself going home completely shattered after every rehearsal but that’s because I am putting absolutely everything I have got into delivering an energetic and fun performance that people will find entertaining (hopefully).

As far as the vocal challenge goes, you do have to have a rocky tone in your voice which naturally my voice does not lend itself to. However, I’ve enjoyed adapting my vocal techniques to try and bring that gravelly tone and highly energetic vocal sound to the role.

I am used to singing operatically within a more musical theatre-style setting so singing like a rock star is certainly a challenge but one that I am thoroughly thriving and looking forward to showcasing on stage.

 

What can readers who have bought tickets expect to witness from the School of Rock production at The Granville Theatre? 

Readers can expect to see a high-energy feel-good show full of a wonderfully talented cast and a professional standard production from the team at The Granville who have hired a professional set and have a fabulous costume team.

Readers who have bought tickets will witness a professional standard show right on your doorstep with local people. You will not be disappointed.

 

Having played the role of Uncle Fester at The Granville Theatre’s first show after re-opening last year, how excited are you to be performing there again?

I am thrilled to be back at The Granville. It’s a wonderful platform for local and professional performers alike. The performance space is top quality, the auditorium is absolutely beautiful and we are so lucky to have this wonderful building and theatre here in Thanet.

 

Showtimes

February 14th, 15th and 16th

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 7:30 pm

Saturday 17th February – 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm

To buy tickets, go online and visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/school-of-rock/granville-theatre

 

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