REVIEW: High School Musical (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London)
Star rating: ★★★★
Cast of High School Musical by Matt Crockett
“Get’cha Head in the Game” and “We’re All in This Together” are just a few of the iconic songs from
High School Musical. As the original films celebrate their 20th anniversary this year, Disney is bringing a brand-new, non-replica production to the stage, playing at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London following a successful run in Manchester.
Adding to the excitement, KayCee Stroh, best known as Martha in the original films, stars as Ms. Darbus.
She is joined by Tobias Turley as Troy Bolton and Leonor Correia as Gabriella Montez, while the show's iconic comedic duo is played by Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay Evans and Luke Bayer as Ryan Evans.
It’s special to see it is brought to life with a fresh, modern twist while still keeping true to the original story because
High School Musical is so nostalgic for so many people.
The interactive elements set the tone right away. Before the show begins, the Wildcats cheerleaders lead the audience through a tutorial of the choreography. It is a fantastic touch that engages the crowd right away, encouraging everyone to step away from their phones and immerse themselves in the experience.
The production truly rises during its dance numbers, which are accompanied by a live band that brings new energy to the iconic soundtrack. The cast is joined by an exceptional ensemble, though their overwhelming energy occasionally overshadows the lead performers during the larger musical numbers.
KayCee Stroh as Ms. Darbus is a delight; she brings immense passion, energy, and incredible dance moves to the role, serving as a lovely nostalgic bridge to the original films. Together with Harry Judd, who steps into the role of Coach Bolton, they form a fantastic comedic duo with great chemistry.
Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer are equally stellar, sharing magnificent chemistry and stealing scene after scene, most notably in “What I’ve Been Looking For” and “Bop to the Top.” Meanwhile, Yna Tresvalles delivers a standout performance as Kelsi, bringing refreshing energy and charm to the talented young composer.
Vocally, the leads are outstanding throughout, though the core romance between Troy and Gabriella felt slightly wooden, leaving their central relationship lacking a bit of the spark one might hope for.
The stage production also introduces new additional songs; while they offer a pleasant addition, they struggle to match the sheer energy of the original soundtrack. Nevertheless, the ensemble-wide numbers remain undeniable highlights.
Visually, Andrew Exeter’s stage design is impressive, transforming the venue into the Wildcats’ basketball court. To heighten the immersion, on-stage seating allows audience members to be positioned right in the center of the action. While sitting on stage during the preview initially raised concerns about sightlines, the choreography is thoughtfully tailored to the space, ensuring on-stage viewers never feel left out.
High School Musical is playing at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 3 January. For more informations and tickets click here.
