High School Musical review: autumn’s must-book sing-a-long

High School Musical, the stage adaptation of the popular 2006 film, has proven to be a must-see sing-along for autumn audiences. The musical, which premiered at the newly opened 2,000 capacity Troubadour Theatre in Wembley, has already sold nearly all tickets for its preview performance. The theatre, located in the former TV studios that hosted The X Factor live recordings, boasts a glamorous, immersive set up befitting a major production.

From the high-tech lighting rigs to the massive basketball court stage, the production exudes an energy reminiscent of the original film. The adaptation remains faithful to the original story, with a few new scenes added to enhance the narrative. While the lead characters Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez receive strong performances, their co-stars, Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia, sometimes lack the charisma to carry the story.

However, standout performances come from Caitlin Tipping, who plays the over-the-top Sharpay Evans, and Luke Bayer, who effectively portrays the vulnerable and well-meaning Ryan Evans. The musical numbers are the primary draw of the show, with adult cast members Harry Judd and Kaycee Stroh delivering memorable performances as Troy's father-cum-basketball coach and his arts teacher, respectively.

The choreography, created by Aaron Renfree, is vivid and playful, perfectly translating the energy of the film onto the stage. Despite the crowd's generally sedate behavior during the musical numbers, the production's final moments provide a fittingly jubilant conclusion, allowing audience members to stand up and sing and dance together.

Overall, High School Musical successfully brings the magic of the original film to life in a dazzling and engaging new production.