The first UK non-replica stage production of High School Musical, celebrating the movie’s 20th anniversary has arrived at The Lyric Theatre at Lowry, Salford. Running from August 22 to September 19, the production features an immersive basketball court design with an extended stage and on-stage seating allowing audiences to step into the world of East High.
Based on the hit Disney Channel Original movie, that inspired a generation, the production was co-directed by Hope Mill founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with a book by David Simpatico and music adapted, arranged, and produced by Bryan Louiselle. But do not fret, audiences can still hear classic soundtrack hits from the film such as Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, and Stick to the Status Quo.
As someone who remembers so vividly the day that the High School Musical film was released on Disney channel back in 2006, I admit I was slightly sceptical going in as to whether the theatre show could match that same energy from 20 years ago. Luckily with a good dosage of hype from the cheerleaders and Wildcat mascot on the basketball court stage at the start, the audience instantly felt immersed in the show, acting as an extension of the East High student body.
But for me, once I heard the rhythmic tapping of basketballs bouncing on stage, it all came flooding back and I was once again invested in the high school romance story like my 12-year-old self was all those years ago. The choreography in this production is silky smooth, particularly the Get’cha Head in the Game routine that takes me back to the original film. You have to hand it to the cast members for their athleticism as they must sing, dance, act and bounce a basketball simultaneously – which is even harder compared to the film cast since they’re lip-syncing.
New additions
However, this production brings new and exciting additions that set it apart from the original Disney musical film. This production introduces new characters such as Jack Scott, who makes all the school news announcements over the tanoy of which are broadcast across the theatre screens to fully immerse the audience.
Plus, the production features new songs such as Cellular Fusion and Counting On You, which help to spice up the original score. The cast popping up in aisles, audience sitting within the bleachers on stage and the light effects used during the basketball match all add to the immersive experience of this production and break down the fourth wall.
The story of High School Musical
Troy Bolton, a popular high school basketball star, and Gabriella Montez, a shy academic transfer student, meet during winter break and discover a shared connection while forced to sing a karaoke duet together. After discovering they both attend East High, Troy and Gabriella secretly audition for the school’s winter musical. Their audition disrupts the school’s strict social cliques and prompts drama club leaders Sharpay and Ryan to sabotage their callbacks.
Troy’s basketball teammates and Gabriella’s Scholastic Decathlon squad attempt to pull the duo apart so they focus on their upcoming competitions. However, later realising they were wrong to force Troy and Gabriella into narrow boxes, the athletes and scholars team up to help them to perform their callback audition.
The resolution sees Troy and Gabriella earn the lead roles in the musical, East High wins both the basketball championship and the decathlon, and the entire school celebrates stepping outside traditional cliques.
High School Musical cast
Troy and Gabriella
The leading characters, star-crossed lovers so to speak, Troy and Gabriella are played by Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia. The pair showed great chemistry on stage but also replicating that slight awkwardness that can come with teenage love.
Their duet of Breaking Free whilst sat a piece of stage set donned with a moon was impressive. Maintaining strong vocal range and projection whilst atop of a moving stage part is no mean feat, but the pair seemed unphased despite being that high above the stage and were well and truly soaring and flying.
Sharpay and Ryan
Caitlin Tipping brought the same sass and sneakiness (in full glam and sparkle no less) that we know and love Sharpay Evans for. Sharpay Evans has some of the best lines in the show’s dialogue such as “We need to save our show from people who don’t know the difference between a Tony Award and Tony Hawk.”
Luke Bayer nailed the character of Sharpay’s younger twin brother Ryan who scuttles behind her and has a foundness for jazz squares and ridiculous hats. The duo’s performance of Bop to the Top reminded me of how catchy that tune is.
Ms Darbus and Coach Bolton
Played by an original cast member of the High School Musical film trilogy, KayCee Stroh has matured from her original role as Martha Cox to become the eccentric drama teacher, Ms Darbus. KayCee is a great addition to the UK theatre circuit and absolutely stole the show with her performance, expressing herself through theatrical phrasing, dramatic gestures, and flamboyant wardrobe choices that Ms Darbus is known for.
Another big name on the High School Musical theatre tour is Jason Donovan as Coach Bolton. Swapping the sunshine coast for the Lowry stage, Neighbours star Jason Donovan is also a welcome addition to the cast acting as the strict basketball coach and father of Troy Bolton. His role in this production shows his range, having previously played Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show tour.
How to get tickets to see High School Musical at The Lowry, Salford
High School Musical will run at The Lyric Theatre at Lowry, Salford from August 22 to September 19. However, Jason Donovan will do performances up until Friday 18 September before McFly’s Harry Judd takes over as Coach Bolton for the final two shows.
Performance dates:
22 August – 6 September: Wednesday – Sunday 2pm & 7pm
There will be no 7pm performance on Sunday 23 August and no 2pm performance on Friday 28 August.
8 – 19 September: Tuesday – Saturday 7pm, Saturday – Sunday 2pm
There will be matinees on Wednesday 9 September & Thursday 17 September at 2pm
You gotta getcha getcha tickets here.
📍Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ.
