School of Rock…The Musical
Originally a shy kid, Jasper Bew ran off the stage during his school nativity play where he played the xylophone.
Jasper, 10, has come a long way since then. He is now starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Olivier award-winning School of Rock – The Musical in London’s West End.
Based on the 2003 film starring Jack Black, the plot followings substitute teacher Dewey Finn (Stephen Leask) a wannabe rock star enter his class into a Battle of the Bands contest after discovering their musical talents.
Jasper plays lead musician Freddy, a mischievous outspoken pupil who plays percussion in the class band.
He auditioned for School of Rock after a family friend saw a casting advert on Facebook.
Jasper said: “I auditioned because I love playing the drums and singing so the part of Freddy was perfect for me.”
He learned to play instruments and sing at school but was only used to performing in front of his family and friends at home.
He said he is inspired by his father. “He works very hard in his hospital but also manages to spend time playing and listening to music and encouraging me.”
The audition process was a lot different from performing at home.
At each stage he had to either sing, play the drums, dance or act on his own or with others.
Jasper at first recalls them being really being daunting and feeling very anxious but remembers this quickly turned to excitement.
He found out he got the part from his parents. He said: “I was initially bewildered. I couldn’t believe it was true and I kept asking if it was really happening.”
He is careful not to let it get in the way of his schoolwork and works hard on his standby shows and days off.
When Jasper grows up he wants to continue being a musician, singer and actor but would also like to be a vet or an Olympian.
Jasper said: “My favourite part about performing is when the audience laugh and clap and cheer loudly and give us a standing ovation.
I am so incredibly proud to be part of this fantastic show making the audience so happy.”
School of Rock the Musical continues at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, London, booking to January 13, 2019.
Visit www.schoolofrockthemusical.co.uk or call 0844 811 0052.
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
