High School Musical

Splinters Theatre Group founded in 1989 for the development of performers from 14 to 30 years old and still going strong with many of those early members now taking on the running of the society. High School Musical sees the return to the stage after the lengthy Covid layoff with many new members joining for their first show with the society . In fact, I was informed that the whole cast was made up of all 14–18-year-olds except for 6 older members. As I visit other societies it was lovely to see many faces that had been with previous youth theatre groups around the city . 

High School Musical taken from the TV movie with reference to Romeo and Juliet, but of course in this it is Juliet and Romeo. With similarities to Grease the Musical, two people meet on holiday, then the love tangle starts when at college, seemingly not wanting others to realise their love for each other, maintaining a visible space between them whilst in their hearts wanting to be together.

On entering the theatre, we see an excellent set, simple but really effective, with rostra to the rear, all six legs covered with wildcat images and college wording. Along with a series of steps down from the stage to floor level and a basketball stand to the rear. Pete Miles along with his production team must be complimented for all the hard work and vision that clearly went into it.

Troy and Gabriella performed by Dan Rossiter and Faith Elizabeth Hardy, both gave excellent portrayals of their characters with some quality singing not only during their solos but within the duets along with showing a number of differing emotions throughout, I really enjoyed your duet in the Horticultural scene  . Ryan and Sharpay performed by Arthur Woodhead and Maisie Dyche again a formidable team with powerful acting and singing, always wanting to be seen to be the best but allowing their nicer side to be seen at the end when realising their friends weren’t bothered about what they stood for but who they were, well done. Chad and Taylor played by Jake Newton and Jessica Smith, again some strong performances, full of life and giving well-rehearsed performances. Jackie Scott played by Wednesday Addis, the announcer, well done, your delivery was always clear with hints of visual reactions when the extra notes were passed on. Kelsi played by Lily Grayson a lovely character part performed well. The writer of Juliet and Romeo with some excellent scenes during the auditions along with the singing during Were All in This Together. More great singing and acting from Zeke and Martha Cox performed by Josh Fishburn and Hannah Laszkowicz . Coach Bolton by James Parkin again some powerful acting and interacting with Troy which I really enjoyed, showing some lovely emotion towards the end of the production. Ms Darbus played by Caitlin Barwell ,the drama teacher , wow a great powerful performance , you certainly made the part your own , really enjoyable well done . Ripper by Ben Rossiter , the ever present team member , great visual performance with well delivered lines and great dancing . 

This production is full of well-rehearsed dance numbers,cheerleader ensemble pieces and compliments to Katie Granger for the Choreography which was all carried out well . The stage is not large but the dancers were well spaced allowing room for the well-executed numbers. I really appreciated that at all times everyone on the stage maintained a discipline, staying in their characters and interacting with the varying scenes. My thanks go to the Directors Kate Parkin and Jill Beckett along with your MD who produced a great evening of entertainment. The orchestra played really well and balanced so the singing could all be heard The sound by Paul Minott and the lighting by Tom Dyson both done to the highest standard, well done.

These shows don’t just happen and thanks go to the whole team makeup props FOH and the management team. I was delighted to see some of the performers are amongst the management, great to get them involved at this stage. 

Just occasionally I struggled to hear some of the words, I think when accents are used and spoken quickly maintaining clarity is important, but as a production it was performed well with plenty of energy and one hundred percent commitment.

Thank you again for the invitation and warm welcome received, and I trust your audience figures will increase so they see the excellent production performed by so many very young performers

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.