Review: High School Musical (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre)
Review by Daz Gale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's been twenty years since the world fell in love with Troy, Gabriella and all of their classmates when High School Musical burst onto our screens. It is a franchise that is just as strong two decades later with movie sequels, a TV spinoff and many a questionable rendition of ‘Breaking Free’ at karaoke (guilty), not to mention making huge stars of many of those associated with it. One thing we have rarely seen, however, is the story on stage. That is set to change with the first non-replica British production arriving in London, following a well-received run in Salford. Could this be the start of something new for fans of the franchise in 2026, and could it convince fans to go soarin’ and flyin’ through the depths of the Jubilee Line into Wembley to see it?
Based on the 2006 movie, the stage adaptation of High School Musical debuted just one year after, making its UK premiere in 2008. Set in East High School, it sees basketball star Troy Bolton and academically gifted Gabriella Montez challenge expectations when they audition to star in their, you guessed it, high school musical. Refusing to stick to the status quo and proving that sometimes stepping out of the box can make a positive change, the musical isn’t the only drama found in the story, with friendships, rivalries, new relationships and unrequited love all thrown into the mix, as they so often are.
You don’t need to look far to see the inspiration from Grease, with the overarching love story between Troy and Gabriella having obvious parallels with Danny and Sandy. What is interesting is how this story has now matched Grease in how it has transcended generations, with new fans now who wouldn’t have even been born when the movie premiered. Written by David Simpatico, the stage version retains all of the key elements audiences know and love from the movie, while finding smart ways to tweak it for its new live medium. It may not be the most taxing watch in the world, but it certainly knows how to tell the story effectively, never trying to be anything it isn’t and staying true to its convictions, even if it isn’t seen as cool in a fitting parallel to one of the main themes in the show. The result is a sweet, warm and humorous story with a great message that should continue to inspire audiences, encouraging them to follow their heart’s desires.
Co-directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, there is a great deal of creativity in this new production, particularly in the staging itself transforming Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre into East High. On-stage seating allows audiences to be part of the action in extremely close proximity to the cast, though watch out for flying balls during the basketball scenes! The idea to set the story in the context of a real game is a recurring theme with a pre-show and Act Two book-ended with this notion. It is an inspired touch that plays up to the immersive elements of this production. Houston and Whelton very clearly have a lot of love for the story, and that shines through in their direction, with their passion proving infectious. Having a non-replica production means they can try something new with the material while never deviating too much from the original, creating a beautiful blend of nostalgia and newness in a fresh approach that doesn’t rock the boat too much and should thrill long-time lovers of the franchise.
The direction comes alive in some surprising moments, with the animal improv scene an unexpected highlight and receiving rapturous applause following its conclusion. It may not be the reason you come to High School Musical, but this scene will be one that lingers in your mind long after you leave the theatre, with a brilliant use of movement and comedy timing. I will say not every element works so well, with more consideration needed for sightlines. Too often cast members walk from the stage into the audience, stopping halfway back and meaning that half the audience needs to crane their neck in order to see properly. While I understand exactly what they were going for, it is a problematic element in terms of the space and loses the impact in some key moments. That said, I appreciate the intent to bring as many people in the audience as possible close to the action. - I just can’t stress enough the importance of considering sightlines, especially in a production as full on as this.
One standout element of this production is Aaron Renfree’s exceptional choreography, putting a new spin on some recognisable moments from the original with incredible attention to detail and perfect precision. Renfree has certainly not gone small with his vision or his choices, and the execution is faultless, as realised in the glorious curtain call (widely available on social media). It is the bigger moments in the show where the choreography truly comes alive, with ‘We’re All In This Together’ a rousing highlight and ‘Get’cha Head In The Game’ featuring a remarkable use of what I am now calling “ballography”. ‘The Start Of Something New’ is another highlight, with even unexpected choreography used to stunning effect in ‘Breaking Free’.
Renfree’s choreography works beautifully in sync with Houston and Whelton’s direction to create a thrilling production. That thrill is matched with strong visuals courtesy of Andrew Exeter’s wonderfully realised set design, and a strong use of video by George Reeve. In fact, the whole creative team collectively impresses in a cohesive and consistent production. I would say “What a team” but would worry you might mishear me and shout back “Wildcats!”. One moment when this is felt is the musical number ‘When There Was Me And You’ where choreography, lighting and video unite to form an utterly mesmerising sequence. Rory Beaton’s lighting is used to strong effect throughout, transforming the stage with some beautiful effects, allowing to heighten the magic and escapism of the show.
A big reason many will be flocking to see High School Musical is to experience the now classic songbook in the flesh. It isn’t just ‘Breaking Free’ that has… well, broken free from the confines of the musical. Many of the songs are familiar to many as evident by how many audience members were mouthing along to the words. From ‘Start of Something New’ to ‘We’re All In This Together’ to even the short but iconic ‘Wildcat Cheer’, for a show with a song called ‘Bop To The Top’, it is quite fitting that this show has no shortage of bops itself. With the music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle, the songs sound absolutely glorious through Katy Richardson’s musical supervision. If you don’t find yourself listening to the songs on repeat or singing them after leaving the theatre, you’re made of stronger stuff than I am.
Stepping into the iconic shoes of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are Tobias Turley as Troy, and Leonor Corrie as Gabriella. When roles are so closely associated with their original actors, it is inevitable to draw comparisons and hard to shake off their shadows, but Turley and Corrie manage this with ease, managing to stay true to the essence of the characters known to many while never feeling like a caricature or tribute performance. Tobias Turley has a real warmth to him as Troy, delivering fantastic vocals and a strong leading-man presence. His chemistry with Leonor Corrie helps elevate the relationship between Troy and Gabriella, bringing a sense of authenticity, with Corrie every bit as striking in the role.
Troy and Gabriella are not the only double-act in this show. Ryan and Sharpay attempt to upstage them at every moment, and with Luke Bayer and Caitlin Tipping in the roles, it is a much closer fight than it ought to be. Aside from a dodgy wig, Luke Bayer is effervescent as Ryan, delivering a larger-than-life portrayal where every exaggerated choice lands, leading to some of the more comedic and captivating moments of the show. Caitlin Tipping is fittingly dominating as Sharpay, delivering a scene-stealing performance in a true star turn. It is the pair’s musical numbers that bring some of the strongest scenes in the show, with ‘What I’ve Been Looking For’ and ‘Bop To The Top’ electric to witness. Jordan Benjamin delivers a solid turn as Chad Danforth, with Yna Tresvalles delivering a sweet portrayal of Kelsi Nielsen.
One draw for this production is the opportunity to see one of the stars from the original High School Musical movie, returning to the world in a very different character. To quote a line KayCee Stroh says in the show “This ain’t my first time at the rodeo” and it really isn’t. She may have handed the role of Martha to Olivia O’Connor (though her love of hip-hop remains, as showcased in the curtain call), but she is absolutely scene-stealing as Ms. Darbus. With a real knack for comedic timing, every line delivery brings a laugh with it in a wonderfully over-the-top portrayal that had me grinning from ear to ear in every appearance.
McFly star Harry Judd swaps his usual drumsticks for basketballs in a small but mighty role as Coach Bolton. More than holding his own despite his limited stage time, Judd delights in an impressive performance, particularly in his occasional showdowns with Stroh’s Darbus, with the pair playing up to their differences in a fantastic odd-couple dynamic.
Admittedly, High School Musical may not be the most well-written show in the world, but this production doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t, instead playing up to its strengths and wowing with the results. Tapping into the nostalgia associated with the story, it would have been very easy for the creatives to stick to the status quo and not offer anything new. However, this production refreshingly offers bold choices in the staging and direction that work for the most part. With a sensational cast all putting their own spins on the iconic roles, this is a feel-good production that sets out to do nothing more than thrill and entertain, ticking all the boxes in that regard. This production is sure to entertain Wildcats young and old in one of the most fun shows I have seen in some time. If fun is what you are looking for, get’cha self down to Wembley for a production the world should see.
High School Musical plays at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 3rd January. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/musical/high-school-musical-tickets
Photos by Matt Crockett