Shoshana earns top marks in stage debut

Based on the smash-hit film from 2003 starring Jack Black, the show follows wannabe rock star Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher and turns a class of straight A students into a bona fide rock band.

Shoshana, who attends Yavneh College in Borehamwood, said landing the role of band member Shanelle in the opening cast had been
“a dream come true”.

The 12-year-old, who lives in Hertfordshire with her parents and two younger brothers, says: “It’s a fantastic experience and I’m enjoying each day at a time.

“If I could change one thing, it would be for my Papa Leslie and Grandma Rena to have been able to see me on the West End stage, as they were both professional dancers and supported me for years. I know they are watching me with smiles on their faces.”

Shoshana, who has attended the Victoria Jane School of Dance in Radlett since the age of five, and is a member of Starlight Youth Theatre, revealed how the rest of the cast helped her overcome her opening night nerves.

“I felt nervous, but also excited because I knew this was going to be an amazing adventure,” she explains.  “I’ve spent a lot of time on stages before, but this was different because it was an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical and it’s in the West End.  Everyone was buzzing before the performance and we all supported each other.”

The chance to work with theatre impresario Lloyd Webber has been nothing short of “amazing”.

“I keep having to remind myself that this isn’t a dream,” she admits. “Andrew has been really nice to all of us and tells us to enjoy the experience and do our best. It’s a real privilege to be able to make my West End debut with a legend like Andrew there to support us.”

Starring in a high-profile show while fitting in school work has also presented its challenges, but Shoshana, who has an eye on pursuing an acting career, is willing to go the extra mile.

“It has been hard. I have had to prioritise everything and make choices to fit with this and stopped all of my after-school activities, but it’s worth it.”

School of Rock The Musical is booking to 9 April 2017. Details: schoolofrockthemusical.com