High School Musical
Troubadour Theatre, Wembley
Book by: David Simpatico
Directed by: Joseph Houston and William Whelton
Music adapted by: Bryan Louiselle
Produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Chris Harper Productions and The Lowry
20 years ago, Disney’s High School Musical movie came bursting onto our screens and has remained a fan favourite to this day, as was evident last night at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Filled to the brim with fans of all ages, the story of two American high schoolers falling for each other, surrounded by their friends and foes, has landed on the London theatre scene to much excitement and anticipation.
Before the show starts, members of the ensemble flood the stage to get the audiences’ energy up, encouraging chants and mini dance routines; whilst this did feel a little gimmicky, it encouraged a more immersive experience for audience members, wrapping them up in the High School Musical bubble and including them in the story, before the actual performance got underway.
Tobias Turley as the infamous Troy Bolton unfortunately fails to bring Troy’s charm or teenage confusion to the mix, instead appearing disinterested in his supposed love interest Gabriella Montez. Played by Leonor Correia, I felt she did a better job at making the character her own but could only do so much against her co-star.
There were some stand-out performers, notably Curtis Patrick as school radio host Jack Scott, bringing brilliant energy and characterisation, and of course, KayCee Stroh, who fans will know as the original Martha in the films but here plays Ms. Darbus, the school’s drama teacher. Stroh makes the character entirely her own, commanding the space and using the, often times clunky and one-dimensional script, to her full advantage. Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer work well together as Sharpay and Ryan Evans, elevating their comedic moments whilst allowing the characters more depth and vulnerability than their film counterparts.
It’s a big cast and yet the stand-out performers few; considering the show has only just opened in London, I was surprised to see the cast looking distracted, scanning the audience and whispering to each other on stage, which some audiences may not clock but regardless, is distracting.
Aaron Renfree’s choreography, however, was fun, fast-paced and engaging, aside from a very odd contemporary dance moment during ‘When There Was Me and You’. A particular highlight was the homage to A Chorus Line in the reimagined version of ‘Bop to
the Top’, which allowed the ensemble to shine, as well as ‘Stick to The Staus Quo’ which closes Act I. The ensemble did well overall, having been on before the show started and with a lot to do throughout. The musical arrangements are nice from Bryan Louiselle,
bringing a more modern sound to the songs as well as including songs that weren’t in the film’s original cut.
Andrew Exeter’s set design also works well for the space, using simple pieces such as old-style school desks, stairways that come in and out of the back wall and basketball hoops that drop down from the rafters, all elevated by Rory Beaton’s brilliant lighting
designs.
As a theatre production, I feel it has misplaced energy and a lack of character conviction from many of the cast. However, it’s a tall order to put such an iconic Disney film on stage and for the most part, I think fans will be happy – a mega-mix at the end encouraging
them to get on their feet, clap along (with phones out galore filming the sequence) – and they’ll leave the venue singing all their favourites songs having had a good night out.
High School Musical is playing at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until January 3rd 2027.
Reviewer: Lily Sitzia
Photo: Matt Crockett