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Newry Youth Performing Arts (NYPA) is set to perform School of Rock the Musical at Newry Town Hall this May, in what will be one of the final shows to take place at the venue before it temporarily closes for a £21 million redevelopment. The production runs from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 May 2026, with a matinee on the Saturday.
The show follows a string of outstanding recent productions from the group, including Grease, Nativity and Jesus Christ Superstar, and features a talented cast of young performers in a two-act, full-scale musical experience.
The production is based on the hit film with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. School of Rock the Musical follows Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck rock enthusiast who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious school. What begins as a quick cash grab soon transforms into a life-changing journey as Dewey inspires his class of straight-A students to form a band, all while trying to outsmart the school's headmistress and the students' parents. Audiences can expect live music, dynamic choreography and a story that celebrates individuality, teamwork and the power of the arts.
The production carries added significance given the future of the venue itself. Newry Town Hall is set to undergo a major £21 million redevelopment that will include a new multi-functional venue on the site of the adjacent Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. The new building will be linked to the Town Hall by a glazed atrium, creating a single state-of-the-art theatre and conference centre for the city.
Roisin Fearon of Newry Youth Performing Arts said the show is particularly meaningful for the group. "This show is incredibly special for us. Not only are we showcasing the outstanding talent of our young performers, but we are also celebrating the legacy of Newry Town Hall as a cultural hub. Being part of its final chapter before redevelopment is something we are very proud of and will be putting on a show to remember."
Fearon added that while the Town Hall closure will be felt, there is optimism about what lies ahead. "While we will miss the town hall during its closure, we are excited for the future of the arts in Newry and in the meantime will continue to bring our shows to Armagh and Warrenpoint," she said.
Tickets for School of Rock the Musical are available now at ticketsource.com/nypa
