After two weeks in which education has been paramount, with historic culture served up as a lavish side every bit as good as the main, the students in Balliol today experienced a musical that took the traditional form of young education —the prep school—and turned it on its head. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock, adapted from the wildly popular film, is undoubtedly a lot of fun.
Before the treat of such evening entertainment, however, the students first had a day in London to enjoy. With morning lessons behind them, the bus departed at one, its passengers abuzz with conversation. A particularly fondly-mused topic was that of the various musicals most close to hearts, and the proponents of The Lion King made their feelings heard with several renditions of the most-loved songs.
In London, the students dispersed quickly. Many skipped, as fast as their feet could carry them, to the many shops of the capital city: Oxford Street and Covent Garden are hallowed for their wares, but in addition to those famous vending sites, it was ‘Supreme’, the 21st-century skater clothing brand, that caused great excitement. Others, meanwhile, travelled to the Museum District, visiting the vast halls of the British Museum and the others around it.
Meeting at the theatre, it was apparent that many students were rather more laden with bags than when they had last been seen. Everybody was able to fit into their seats, however, and a marvellous time was had by all. The story, one of a musician who masquerades as a qualified teacher at a prestigious school after his rock band falls through, was a tremendously fun one. The musical was a blend of rapid characterisation, witty one-liners, and some show-stopping numbers, often with references to both pop and legendary music culture: all in all, the whole production was exactly what was wanted. The journey home was quiet, with students tired out after their day in the capital, but we are sure that breakfast this morning was not lacking discussion.