So let's raise our hands to the unlikely dalliance of theatre guru Andrew Lloyd Webber and Downton writer Julian Fellowes who've proved they aren't afraid fo turn up the volume and 'stick it to the man' in their unmissable production School of Rock.

Prepare to leave the theatre with adrenaline pumping and joy in your heart after watching this unmissable, exhilarating, high-octane, non-stop roller coaster of rock n' roll fun. 

No one can stop the School of Rock this week, if its opening night at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre is anything to go by - and frankly, who would want to? 

The musical, which largely sticks to the plot of the acclaimed movie, tells the story of Dewey Finn, a music-loving waster who pretends to be his friend Ned and takes on a job as a substitute teacher at Horace Green School. 

Realising the children are gifted musically, he cons them into taking part in The Battle of The Bands - much to the anger of stiff school principal Rosalie Mullins and the youngsters' furious parents.

But after much chaos, the lovable and hilarious Dewey (played by Jake Sharp), eventually wins over hearts and minds with a host of fist-pumping and foot-stomping musical numbers.

Much loved songs from the movie such as Teachers Pet and In the End of Time are complimented by new catchy songs which will stick in your head for days...

Upbeat riffs such as You're in The Band, When I Climb To The Top Of Mount Rock and Stick it To The Man are played with gusto by the energetic Jake and the students making up the band, all of whom showcase outstanding talent by playing their own instruments.

The musical version also takes more time to expand the children's characters than the film, particularly in tear jerker If Only You Would Listen which see each student belt out an emotive plea to their parents.

The show is much funnier than the movie too, largely thanks to the brilliant turn by Jake - who does an amazing job following in the footsteps of Hollywood Icon Jack Black.

There are laughs aplenty with the many nuances he brings to the role, whether it's his questionable personal hygiene, facial expressions or hilarious and rather timely one-liners. "The man is everywhere" he cries, "even holding illegal office parties!".

Rebecca Lock also shines as the prudish Rosalie Mullins - a closet Steve Nicks super-fan whose love of music is reignited by Dewey and the students. Lock's performance of Where Did The Rock Go was another stand-out scene and sees Ms Mullins let down her hair and re-connect with her inner rock-goddess through song. 

Of course the best is always saved for last and it was the closing concert at the end of the show that nearly brought the house down. 

Loud shredding on guitars, beaming lights, smoke, dry ice and with stunning energetic performance in AC/DC inspired costumes, it's safe to say it really had it all. You know you've had a good night when you leave a venue with your ears ringing.

Five stars. Reviewed by Fiona McCartney.

School of Rock The Musical continues to show at The Alexandra until this Saturday 5 February.