St. Joseph’s ‘Rocks The House Down’ on final night!

St Joseph’s Boys’ school hall in Derry overflowed with the sounds of toe-tapping music, energetic song, dance and tons of hilarity as the school’s staff and students, and fellow students from other local schools performed to packed houses over three consecutive nights with their production of ‘School of Rock – The Musical’.

Bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit stage show to life, the cast and crew served up lively and polished performances that saw the audience on their feet, earning rave reviews for what many described by the city and district’s Mayor, Ruairi McHugh as a ‘a superb professional-level production’.

Leading the student cast were Jude White as aspiring rock star Dewey Finn, Miley Nash as Katie, Keeva Parkes Miss Mullins, Tristan Doran as Lawrence, Harley Nixon as Zack, Declan Barr as Freddie, Liam Collins as Ned Schneebly, Katie Nash as Patti, and Katrina McGahey as Summer Hathaway — all fantastic leads over the three nights.

Leaving the school after the final production it was nothing but positive comments and high fives from the audience and the young cast were delighted with their achievements.

Praising all involved for the hard work put into the production, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Ruairi McHugh said: 'A superb professional level production! Thank you to St Joseph's for the invitation and I commend all of the pupils involved for their enthusiasm, commitment and talent. Events like this highlight not only the creativity of our young people, but also the confidence and teamwork that the arts help to develop.

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'I would also like to pay tribute to the staff of St Joseph’s Boys’ School, particularly the Drama and Music Departments under the guidance of Miss Ciara McCallion, for the time, dedication and passion they have shown in bringing this production to life. Well done St Joseph's'.

Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane endorsing the Mayor’s comments added: ‘What this crew put on over the past three nights has been wonderful for all to see. A massive thank you to Ciara McCallion, Drama Co-Ordinator and her fantastic team.’

Mrs. Deane also thanked the many sponsors who kindly donated towards the production.

‘Without our many sponsors it would not have been possible to put on such a show at St. Joseph’s. Once more the local community, local businesses and others have put their hands in their pockets and trusted us at St. Joseph’s to step up to the mark. I hope we did them proud. Again, well done to all who made ‘School of Rock – The musical’ 2026 at St. Joseph’s the success it was.’