High School Musical

High School Musical description

Some films arrive quietly. High School Musical arrived like a marching band coming through the front door, and nearly two decades on, the Disney Channel phenomenon that had a whole generation singing into their hairbrushes is bounding onto a London stage at the Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park.

It starts with two teenagers who really ought to have nothing in common. Troy Bolton is captain of the East High Wildcats, carrying the hopes of a basketball team and a coach who happens to be his dad. Gabriella Montez is the clever new girl, happiest with a chemistry set and quietly convinced the spotlight belongs to somebody else. One holiday karaoke duet later, the pair put their names down for the school musical, and East High promptly loses its collective mind.

What follows is a gloriously silly and surprisingly big-hearted story about the boxes we squeeze ourselves into. Jocks are supposed to shoot hoops, brainiacs are supposed to win science competitions, and nobody crosses the line. Standing guard over it all are Sharpay and Ryan Evans, the drama club's reigning royalty, who have no intention of handing over the leading roles without a glitter-flecked fight.

Then there is that score, the real reason the film never left us. Get'cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo, Bop to the Top, We're All in This Together and the great sing-it-at-the-top-of-your-lungs anthem Breaking Free all land live, with a book by David Simpatico and music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle.

The production is co-directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, the founders of Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre and the team behind a string of hit revivals, with choreography by Aaron Renfree, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, lighting by Rory Beaton, costume design by Sophia Pardon and video design by George Reeve.

Bring the kids, bring the friends who still know every word, and be ready to be on your feet by the final chorus. High School Musical is a full-throttle burst of joy, and getting your hands on tickets really is the start of something new.

Playing at Troubadour Theatre - Wembley

3 Fulton Road, Wembley, London, HA9 8TS GB (venue info)

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