Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Troubadour Wembley Park, London
Celebrating 20 years since Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL became a global sensation, the hit musical is back on stage in an unmissable new production. Join Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High as they navigate first love, friendships and self-discovery, all while juggling classes, basketball games, auditions and the expectations of their peers.
Harry Judd (McFly) stars as Coach Bolton alongside original HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL film icon KayCee Stroh (Martha) as Ms Darbus, joined by Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan.
It's been two decades since High School Musical first premiered on Disney Channel, and since then it's been a firm favourite of mine, and millions of other fans around the world. For fans of the original material, one thing's for certain: you won't be leaving disappointed. Packed full of references, all-too-familiar songs that will hit you with overwhelming nostalgia, jaw-dropping choreography and cheesiness to the absolute max!
For those unfamiliar, it follows the story of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez who first meet on vacation and come the new school year, they both find themselves at East High School together. Gabriella becomes a member of the mathletes, while Troy is captain of the basketball team. However, when they end up auditioning in the school musical, will this be the start of something new for the unexpected duo?
Visually, the Troubadour Theatre has been transformed into a high school, complete with basketball court; courtside seating and all. Andrew Exeter's set design is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you enter the theatre, you're transported into a typical American high school and it's one of the most immersive theatre sets I've ever experienced. Before the show even begins, the ensemble are onstage interacting with the crowd and getting the audience filled with Wildcats spirit. However, even outside the theatre itself, there's plenty of photo opportunities, (surprisingly affordable) merchandise, and a High School Musical themed karaoke booth! The feel-good vibes are non-stop from beginning to end.
It goes without saying that the production is overflowing with fan favourites from the movie, including "Get 'cha Head in the Game", "Start of Something New" and "We're All in This Together". While I found the extended versions, or additions to the original songs worked well, the inclusion of new songs entirely felt not quite as cohesive as the others, and lacked the connection that the originals have. However, that could be nostalgia playing its tricks. "What I've Been Looking For" and "Bop to the Top" are both standouts, as well as the incredible megamix at the end, giving the entire ensemble their chance to shine...and audience participation!
Leonor Correia and Tobias Turley as leads Gabriella and Troy are vocally brilliant, but lack the believability of teenagers in love, and I think it's because of their lack of chemistry. However, in terms of performance, they can't be faulted. Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay Evans is a scene-stealer in every conceivable way. Her stage presence, her ferocity, her vocal range, her sibling chemistry with co-star Luke Bayer (Ryan Evans); everything about her performance is pitch perfect and I'd do anything to see Tipping take on "Fabulous" from High School Musical 2. An absolute theatre icon. And it should go without saying, that seeing Kaycee Stroh (original Martha) back in the High School Musical franchise as Ms Darbus this time is simply exceptional. And while Harry Judd is underutilised as Coach Bolton, it was brilliant to see him shine, no matter how briefly.
The costumes from Sophia Pardon are instantly recognisable as Wildcats attire...but with the added theatrical flair, of course. The finale outfits are bedazzled and brilliant. The lighting design from Rory Beaton is also worthy of a mention, capturing the essence of a high school and a basketball game with ease.
The joy of this production lies in the togetherness of its ensemble. It shines brightest during its group numbers and I found myself quite choked up during the megamix in the finale because that nostalgic cheesiness hit me straight in my millennial heart. Whether an old or new Wildcat, this production has something for everyone, of all ages. Feel-good fun and escapism at its finest.
You can book tickets to Disney's High School Musical here.
**photo credit: Matt Crockett**
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