High School Musical

At last, I made it back to North Wales to visit LYMT and their production of High School Musical and what a thrilling weekend it was. 

When it comes to youth theatre, there’s always a certain magic in the air — the buzz of young performers chasing their dreams, the thrill of first-time stage experiences, and the power of community coming together to support its rising stars. That magic was alive and thriving at Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay, where the Llandudno Youth Music Theatre (LYMT) delivered a dazzling, high-octane production of Disney’s High School Musical that had audiences singing, clapping, and dancing in their seats. 

Running from April 10th to 12th, this vibrant and joy-filled rendition was far more than just a tribute to the cult-classic 2006 film — it was a celebration of youth, teamwork, and the performing arts at their very best. The show struck the perfect chord between nostalgia and originality, breathing new life into familiar characters while also reminding us why this story continues to resonate nearly two decades later.

The entire cast — made up of enthusiastic and clearly well-rehearsed performers from across North Wales — brought an infectious energy to the stage from the first moment to the last. The beloved duo of Troy Bolton (Finlay Rose) and Gabriella Montez (Katie Belmont) were portrayed with real heart and nuance. Their chemistry was sweet and sincere, adding depth to the story’s core message of breaking free from expectations and following your passion. Vocally, both leads rose to the occasion. Their rendition of “Breaking Free” was a true showstopper, performed with emotional intensity and musical precision. It drew some of the loudest applause of the night and left a tangible sense of awe in the auditorium. Equally memorable were the powerhouse performances by the actors playing Sharpay (Izzy Blackmore) and Ryan Evans (Archie Davies). Their comedic timing, expressive delivery, and stage presence were second to none. Sharpay, in particular, was magnetic - bold, dramatic, and unapologetically over-the-top, yet never cartoonish. “Bop to the Top” was delivered with flair, sparkle, and some impressive choreography that left the audience grinning from ear to ear. I have to say that I could write 10 pages on this youth company, all those involved and the incredible service they give to the youngsters of Llandudno, but I’ll save that for another time. The rest of the cast gave 100% energy to their roles. Not a line missed, a dance step out of time and for me again, an excellent all round performance. 

Director Kate Russell deserves particular praise for their vision and direction. Balancing the fast-paced, often slapstick nature of the story with moments of emotional grounding is no easy feat, especially with a young cast. But this production flowed beautifully. Scenes transitioned smoothly, and the energy never wavered. The choreography - often a challenging element for youth productions - was handled with remarkable finesse. From the rhythmic coordination in “Get’cha Head in the Game” (complete with basketballs as props) to the now-iconic finale “We’re All In This Together,” every routine felt tight, expressive, and fun. The cast moved confidently through complex steps and formations, a testament to hours of hard work and a clear love for the craft. Set and costume design struck a balance between simplicity and vibrancy. Bold colours and familiar school motifs brought East High to life without overwhelming the performances. Lighting cues were well timed, accentuating dramatic moments and giving musical numbers a professional polish. Of course, a massive shout out to the music team of Catrin Wright and Matthew Pritchard! Kids sounded fantastic! 

There couldn’t have been a more fitting venue than Theatr Colwyn - a space steeped in history, yet intimate and welcoming enough to amplify the joy of a community-focused performance. The theatre’s acoustics served the performers well, and the audience - which included family members, theatre lovers, and newcomers alike - was fully engaged throughout. Theatre has always played a vital role in uniting communities, and productions like this remind us just how important those connections are. LYMT has done more than just stage a show - they’ve fostered an environment where young people feel empowered, supported, and inspired.

High School Musical may be light-hearted on the surface, but at its core is a powerful message: dare to be different, work as a team, and embrace the full range of your identity. LYMT’s cast embodied this message with authenticity and joy. These are lessons that extend far beyond the stage - ones that clearly resonated with the young performers and the enthusiastic audience alike. Watching these young people perform with such confidence and talent was not only entertaining but genuinely moving. They weren’t just reenacting a story - they were telling their own, filled with the kind of passion, hope, and courage that defines great theatre.

A production That deserves the spotlight In every way, Llandudno Youth Music Theatre’s production of High School Musical exceeded expectations. With good production values, a deeply committed cast, and a clear love for the art form, this show proved that youth theatre is not only alive and well in North Wales - it’s thriving. Whether you were a longtime fan of the Disney original or seeing the story for the first time, this production offered something special: a heartfelt reminder of what’s possible when young voices are given the chance to shine. LYMT has once again proven themselves as a cornerstone of the North Wales performing arts scene, and if this production is any indication, their future is incredibly bright. Keep an eye on them - because these stars are only just beginning to rise.

Congratulations and hopefully I will make it from South to North again for Beauty and the Beast. 

 

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