High School Musical

Always a fun show, not a brilliant story line, but the music and a good cast carry this through, and we saw an energetic confident cast in this version.  I enjoyed it very much, there were no weak links, everyone gave their all, and their enjoyment and enthusiasm communicated itself to the audience.  The mix of youthful and more mature performers worked well.

Luke Murphy in his role as Director (first time for a musical), made sure the whole cast were involved and integrated, with some good directorial decisions –well done.

Lighting was good, I particularly liked the concentrated spots on Troy and Gabriella in Act 2, with the coloured overhead spots at the close, very atmospheric.

Mostly sound was good, I know sound balance between stage and band is difficult in the library, but sometimes the band was overloud and overpowered the singers.

Musically Charlotte Tabert had the cast at a very high standard, with some lovely harmonies particularly from Troy and Gabriella, I enjoyed the musicality within the show.  The band were well-chosen and nice to see some younger people included.

Also a first timer was choreographer Kyra Spratley – the routines were first rate and the cast were obviously well-drilled.  It was good to see something more modern and edgy, but in keeping with the feel of the production.

Costumes were all good, they fitted well and were suitable.  Very colourful throughout, with decent footwear and hairdo’s.

The set was good, and was used well by the cast.

I thought Daniel Hayward did an excellent job as Troy, this young man has matured into a fine performer, both acting and singing – he showed his more tender side with Gabriella and his assertiveness with the team.

Freya Spratley created a charming Gabriella, showing strength and fragility, and singing really well.  I thought Daniel and Freya created a lovely relationship.

Amy Farrar really came into her own as the spiteful, feisty Sharpay, she threw herself into the part I loved what she did with it.  She was spot on with her portrayal, and her put downs were great too.  I really felt for Jerome Leon as her hapless brother Ryan – again a good portrayal that was a direct contrast to Sharpay – excellent work.

The main teachers were played with great conviction by Tim Hayden as the Coach and Peri Lynn as Ms Darbus, they certainly came out fighting their respective corners, adding another dimension to the production.  Ellie Turton was also a part of the teaching staff as well as the ensemble.

Lucy Farrar was the shy retiring Kelsi, a part she played really well, a good contrast to the more full on characters around her, but one where she was noticed, nicely done.

Phoebe Copas, Cheyenne Downer, Molly Doherty, Maddy Till, Saxon Hayden, Rajesh Chauhan played support parts very well, they all made the characters their own, with good energy.

The ensemble of Sinead Crampsie, Elise Harriman, Kyra Spratley, Charlotte Lovelock, Niall McGeady, Holli Wheeler, Ben Donnelly, Ellie Turton and Caitlin McGeady all added much to the production, and didn’t let their performance levels slip.

I loved the contrasts in Act 1 Scene 7 – where Sharpay and Ryan, then Troy and Gabriella sang the same song but in different ways, with Kelsi interspersing her idea of how the song should be sung – very well done everyone.

I particularly liked the choreography for Get’cha Head in the Game, and also the finale.

A good cast, who all interacted well, and gave us good performances with loads of confidence and self-assurance.  I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, so testament to all involved in getting me onside.

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