High School Musical

"High School Musical on Stage!" follows the story of Troy, a popular basketball player, and Gabriella, a shy, academically gifted new student, who discover a shared passion for singing when they meet during a winter break. Back at school, they decide to audition for the school musical, disrupting the status quo and facing opposition from the drama club queen, Sharpay, and their own friends who are comfortable with the existing social hierarchy.

This was my second visit to Stoke Youth, and once again they put on a very polished performance. Considering the average age of the cast, this was something that was delivered with aplomb. From the opening Cheerleader number to final Megamix, the theatre was filled with a buzz of excitement and enjoyment. Amber Hargreaves as Gabriella, played the ‘sweet’ new kid in school with confidence and had great presence on stage. Troy was played by Anna Pye, who was equally as commanding on stage, the highlight from both of them were the vocals in the numerous musical numbers, especially the duets they had together, harmonies were so precise and a joy to listen to. These were well supported by Issi Darlington as the ‘wannabe diva’ Sharpay and Zac Wardle as her sidekick Ryan, they worked so well together and again sang with confidence during their musical numbers. Oliver Degg (Chad), Bailey Brennand (Zeke), Megan Carnwell (Kelsi), Laila Norcup (Taylor) and Reeve Syverson (Martha) all played characters we could associate with and remained focussed throughout. I particularly liked the ‘cheeky’ portrayal of Jack the school announcer, played by Gracie Galpin, the grin at the end of each announcement really summed it up! Mention must also be made of the ‘adults’ in the cast, Grace Collishaw as Ms Darbus and Jayden Lewis as Coach Bolton who were equally confident in keeping the students in check.

All of these characters were supported by a well-drilled ensemble, divided into Cheerleaders, Braniacs, Jocks and Skater Dudes. They knew exactly what was expected of them and moved around the stage with confidence.

Congratulations must go to Sian Jones for her direction and choreography routines, all the cast moved well, and no-one looked out of place or uneasy with any of the movement. Each entrance and exit was very slick and every section of the stage was used to great effect. Nick Beecroft as Musical Director, had obviously worked extremely hard with the cast in creating great vocal harmonies, and this certainly paid off.

The scenery was quite minimalistic but enhanced by a super lighting plot, this brought the action to life. Costumes were well thought out and very authentic of an American High School.

All in all this was another first-rate production by Stoke Youth, I certainly enjoyed my visit and would like to congratulate everyone involved and thank you for the extremely warm welcome I received.

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