⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)
In the twenty (yes, really!) years since Disney’s High School Musical film was released, it has had a significant cultural impact, particularly on millennials and Gen Z. In this new production, directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, audiences can experience the beloved movie musical on stage. Exhilarating choreography and full-out musical numbers ensure that High School Musical at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is hugely enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
The musical sees basketball team captain Troy (Tobias Turley) and high-achiever Gabriella (Leonor Correia) challenge stereotypes to try out for East High’s school musical, much to the horror of drama club president Sharpay (Caitlin Tipping). Between the iconic songs, there’s a message about acceptance and community that this production captures with abundant heart and clear love for the material, paying homage to many of the most iconic moments from the film. KayCee Stroh, who originated the role of Martha Cox on screen, returns to East High in this production as the delightfully dramatic Ms Darbus in a performance thoroughly deserving of the “DIVA” fan she brandishes in the second act. Turley and Correia portray the leads with impressive vocals and sincere characterisation, even if they may not be entirely believable as teenagers. Undeniably, the scene-stealing performances of the production come from Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer (Sharpay and her twin brother sidekick Ryan) who hilariously chew the scenery in bedazzled 00s fashion.
Undoubtedly, the standout element of High School Musical is its musical numbers, particularly the ensemble numbers that give the production such an infectious sense of joy. The cast execute Aaron Renfree’s choreography impressively, incorporating energetic cheerleading and basketball-inspired moves. From the interactive pre-show cheerleading to the megamix at the end of the show, it would be very difficult not to have a great time seeing this production.
David Simpatico’s book is cheesy, but in the way that you’d anticipate when stepping into a theatre to watch High School Musical, and adds to the show’s charm. Occasionally scenes can lose momentum, especially when bookending such energetic musical numbers. But there is also some strong scene work, particularly when Ms Darbus (Stroh) has the students embodying animals in her detention class, leading to some incredibly funny ostrich and earthworm impressions.
The large stage at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre has been transformed into the East High School basketball court by Andrew Exeter’s set design. Audience members sit on bleachers to either side of the main playing space, while projections by George Reeve and lighting by Rory Beaton allow versatility to create other locations. Lighting is also used to great effect in other moments, such as in a basketball sequence where each player’s ball is lit up in sequence, so the audience can see the players pass the ball to each other in slow motion prior to a cheer-inducing goal.
Overall, High School Musical at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is a nostalgia-filled treat for those who grew up with the movie as well as a family-friendly, energetic introduction to the material for younger audience members.
High School Musical runs at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 3rd January 2027.
Photos by Matt Crockett