BUDDING young rock stars in Worcestershire are being offered their chance to shine in a West End hit

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit West End production of School of Rock – The Musical will hold open auditions on Saturday July 15 in Birmingham.

Up for grabs will be the opportunity to join the band as part of the kids’ cast of the hit musical currently playing at the New London Theatre.

A spokesman said: "If you’re between 8 – 12 years old and play the drums, keys or the electric or bass guitar, we need to hear from you."

Tom Abisgold, 13 years old from Cheshire, one of the original West End cast added: “I’ve had the best time ever being part of the band at School of Rock. I made my West End debut playing the guitarist Zack – how cool is that? When I auditioned for the part I never imagined that I’d be joining an actual band and working with Andrew Lloyd Webber and the rest of the amazing cast and crew. I am so glad that my Mum and Dad encouraged me to audition in the first place.

"I have been on TV, walked red carpets and won an Olivier award. It’s been hard work and we practise hard but it’s really a dream come true, and I’d encourage any kid who plays one of the band instruments to come and audition, you’ll have the time of your life!”

Jessica Ronane, Children’s Casting Director, said: “We look forward meeting with the next generation of rockstars, as we continue our auditions in Birmingham. If you can play the drums, keys or the electric and bass guitar, we want to hear from you, and if you’re nervous about skills just get in touch and we can give you more details. Come and ‘pledge allegiance to the band."

School of Rock features music from the movie, as well as new music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. The production was winner of the 2017 Whatsonstage Best New Musical Award and is nominated for three 2017 Olivier awards, winning Outstanding Achievement in Music for the Kids Bands in the show.

Based on the iconic hit movie and with a rocking new score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, School of Rock – The Musical follows slacker and wannabe rock star Dewey Finn turn a class of straight-A 10 year old students into an ear popping, riff scorching, all conquering rock band. Dewey poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to make ends meet, and when he discovers his fifth graders’ musical talents, he enlists his class to form a rock group and conquer the Battle of the Bands. As Dewey falls for the beautiful headmistress, can he and his students keep this special assignment secret as they learn to fully embrace the power of rock?

School of Rock — The Musical is produced in the West End by Andrew Lloyd Webber for The Really Useful Group and Warner Music Group and Access Industries with Madeleine Lloyd Webber as Executive Producer.

To register interest and for more details visit www.schoolofrockthemusical.co.uk/opencall