High School Musical

Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, not only have they changed their venue this year due to the increase in membership and popularity but they have also decided to take on a full length musical to challenge their skills and performance.
Under the direction of Louise Defty, whom I believe has made a tremendous impact on this group due to her enormous drive and commitment, it’s obvious by her persona around the group that she clearly believed in every member and ensures that the cast not only enjoy their experience in musical theatre but continue to develop their skills and confidence as they took to the stage to perform Disney’s “High School Musical”.

The choreography was slick and fast as was the staging which was well executed and presented with creative use of the set and lighting. The company numbers were full of energy and utilised the larger than usual created stage to its best advantage well done to Liam Etherington as Stage Manager and George Morgan-Watson assistant stage manager for their slick scene changes. Special mention to Alex Sneath who I know was a huge asset to the group and really was Louis’s  right hand man as well as running the technical side he also helped with designing the  posters and tickets as well as all the technical get in and sound, well done. The ensemble numbers such as “Stick to the Status Quo” and “We’re All In This Together” were delivered with gusto and enthusiasm to the packed audience, congratulations to the musical Director, Tim and his band Jason Snowball on guitar and Matt Weatherly on drums great sound and not once did the band over shadow the performers. Special mention must go to wardrobe for the fantastic costumes they looked fantastic and gave the show that traditional High School Musical feel. I also must mention the programme which I thought was well put together, particularly the Good Luck Messages which must have been well received from the cast.I loved the opening of the show it certainly was full of energy has clearly set the tone for the rest of the show.

High School Musical tells the story of two high school juniors Troy Bolton captain of the basketball team and Gabriella Montez a transfer student who is extremely academic, the story follows these two students on their journey as they struggle with the obstacles and pressure from their friends, family and clashing extracurricular activities as they try to audition for the lead roles in their high school musical which causes division among all the other students. A fantastic performance was delivered by Megs Defty as Gabriella Montez good clear diction and lovely vocals coming through with confident stage presence and good acting. Troy Bolton was equally played by Ben Colledge again developing good stage presence and vocals a good pairing and they performed well together. Charlie Jackson delivered a fantastic over the top performance as Sharpay Evans she certainly relished her baddie role with great stage presence and always a pleasure to watch, playing her brother was Zac Greenman as Ryan Evans another good performance and lovely strong vocals great character roles and both had a good sense of comedy which they delivered well. Great performance from Jack Cole as Troy’s best friend Chad Danforth again good stage presence and vocals and delivered his character well, Good strong performance from Faith McDermott as Gabriella’s best friend Taylor McKessie as did Brandon Sherrington as Zeke Baylor a member of the jocks basketball team and a passion for Sharpay good characterisation  demonstrated. Solid performance from Catherine Kirkland as the news announcer at East High School, this was a great part and kept the story moving well. Solid performance from Gini Stephenson who I thought was excellent playing the role as Kelsi Nielson the schools piano player great character and excellent interaction with all her other characters on stage. Good performance from  these characters in cameo roles, Freya Graham as Martha Cox, Evie Stephenson as Jamie, Megan Jones as Susan, Patience Ritchie as Cathy, Scott Anderson as Alan, Darcey Gallone as the performing Arts Kid, Ben Clayton as Ripper and Skye Monahan as Mongo. Playing the adults rolls were Emma Belshaw as Ms Darbus and Georgia Holmes who played Troy’s father and Coach Bolton great stage presence and delivered their role respectfully.

Special mention must go to the cheerleaders and dancers including Amy Gatland, Charlotte Robinson, Millie Cowan, Freya Graham, Millie Newham, Rachel Clayton and Evie Stephenson and finally the jocks played by Isabelle Monahan, Chloe Armstrong, Sophie Priestley, Lilly Anderson, Natasha Witton, Lola Punshon, Lauren Wakes, Tamsin Tyra-Wilson and Lara Shipley. The Brainiacs played by Amy Lowes, Hailie Warren, Amy Gatland, Neve Anderson, Imogen Smith, Bethany Wanless, Millie Newham, Charlotte Robinson, Skye Monahan and Maizie Spoors. The Skater Dudes played by Charlie Best, Oliver Best, Georgia Anderson, Millie Copeland and Abbey Jorden all of whom contributes to what was an excellent performance delivered by a talented group of youths, well done to everyone at Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group a great evening’s entertainment and one which you should be all proud of. Well done to everyone.

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