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REVIEW | Disney's High School Musical, The Lowry - Salford
- Harry Brogan
- 10 hours ago
- 6 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review. All views are our own
One of Disney's most beloved franchises celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and what a way for it to be celebrated. First seen on stage in 2006 where the show had its world premiere at Stagedoor Manor Summer Camp, to then in 2007 having the professional staging in Atlanta, then making its London premiere a year later, and now in 2026 High School Musical is back on stage to celebrate 20 years of the Disney Channel's Original Movie in this new non-replica production at The Lowry, in what is a fun, joyous and nostalgic celebration of a Disney classic.
Based on the Disney Channel Original movie, High School Musical follows, Troy and Gabriella as they meet on New Years Eve, and as Gabriella transfers to East High the pair tackle first love, friendships, and the journey of self-discovery, while also at the same time playing basketball, taking classes and auditions. But I think most of the people know this story as we all stepped back in time to relive the iconic show.
With a book by David Simpatico, and music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle, co-directed by William Whelton and Joseph Houston, and choreography by Aaron Renfree, this production is a superb transfer from screen to stage for High School Musical fans with a sprinkles of modern touches it will have you smiling throughout, and while I was only very young when film released I was brought up with High School Musical thanks to my sister and we all still love it now.
Written by David Simpatico, this adaptation of the film with an updated new script specially written for this production - told to us in an interview by co-directors William Whelton and Joseph Houston during the shows press event (read here). While updated, Simpatico's book still has the heart, the drama, and the iconic moments intact. One of the things that has changed is the structure of the film for the stage, we all know the film starts on New Years Eve, but for the stage the narrative plot is shifted slightly to begin with, which see's Gabriella moving to East High and we see New Years Eve as a flashback Troy and Gabriella tell their friends what they did over the break, to me it works better than the film and in a sense gives it a more theatrical feel to it. Simpatico's book is amusing bring laughs throughout the audience.
Another thing that has changed for the stage production is the introduction of a new character called Jack Scott (played by Curtis Patrick), who is East High's tannoy announcer, the character gives what is funny commentary on what's going on at East High popping up in various places during the show, the character brings funniness and for this production helps bring East High to life even more, although sometimes could feel occasionally slow the shows pacing down a little. Simpatico's book brings to life the beloved characters, from Troy and Gabriella, to Chad and Kelsi all are written brilliantly, in addition to this for me Simpatico slightly changes the character of Ryan Evans (played by Luke Bayer) than what we see in the film, still written as we know and love though here the character of Ryan slightly less reserved and loyal towards twin sister Sharpay. We see this at the end when Ryan tells Ms Darbus that Sharpay sabotaged the Drama Club president role and during detention when Ms Darbus asks Ryan does he want to follow in the foot steps of his sister, it makes a nice change to the character as a whole giving slightly more for Ryan than just Sharpay's brother. Simpatico updates the script well with modifying and updating outdated language and references while still keeping faithful to the film, Simpatico slightly alters dialogue during some of the scenes from film and overall still managers to deliver on all the pure original 2006 nostalgia without straying away.
The shows musical numbers are just as renowned as the characters, all the favourites are still in the show, plus they are joined by new numbers including - 'I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You', which is a bonus track on the original film soundtrack and places itself in Act 2. All the numbers get some refreshments, adapting and additional lyrics to them by Bryan Louiselle, which some do come as a surprise, but still remain as solid and loveable as ever before. New song 'I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You', a duet between Troy and Gabriella, is an agreeable new musical number, with satisfying music and charming lyrics by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil, however it maybe feels it doesn't quite fair from the other musical numbers, but it is still another delightful duet for Troy and Gabriella. With 52 numbers split between songs and music, the show is never without music across the duration making the show even more musical than ever before.
Co-directors Joseph Houston and William Whelton sparks creativity in their direction, from modern day on stage filming to entrances from the audience, the pleasing work from both is excellent. Similar to David Simpatico's script, Houston and Whelton depict the films scenes admirably, however, for fans of both film and stage show Houston and Whelton don't directly imitate their direction, which helps not only the non-replica take on the original stage production which fans might of seen before, but for newer fans too to the stage show and film. Fans might see slight resemblance in the direction, though in my opinion its certainly not a carbon copy of the film, though it did create vivid pictures of the film as the show went on. There are moments throughout that shine such as the funny moments between Ms Darbus (played by KayCee Stroh) and Coach Bolton (played by Jason Donovan), the audition scene where it's paired with Aaron Renfree's choreography which the scene overall instantly pays a nod to the musical A Chorus Line. The show is paced nicely, with also both Houston and Whelton creating likeable connection between characters. With the updated script, modern onstage filming and seating, Houston and Whelton but rather than swaying into a fully modernised take, Houston and Whelton stick to its time, embracing the technical elements into the world of the shows setting, which do surprisingly fit in well into the show, and with pre-show audience interaction the audience, Houston and Whelton fully welcome audiences into East High.
All of us know the iconic movie comes with an iconic cast and well now this production welcomes non other than original HSM cast member KayCee Stroh who played Martha Cox in the film, but on stage as Ms Darbus. Stroh's first appearance on stage received a warm response with a huge cheer from the audience as well as Aussie star Jason Donovan who steps into the role of Coach Bolton.
Stroh's performance will feel like a full circle moment for her in returning to the material and for many fans. Stroh's performance as Ms Darbus clearly draws on Alyson Reed's (original Ms Darbus in the film) performance and is equally as terrific, Stroh delivers a funny and winning performance and is in no doubt a joy to watch.
Caitlin Tipping steps into the role of Sharpay Evans, Tipping overall presents an over the top character as Sharpay, being dramatically exaggerated and full of character with displaying Sharpay's sarcasm and competitiveness well. Tipping's vocals are excellent, both Tipping and Luke Bayer, who plays Ryan Evans, give full-out performances during musical numbers of 'Bop to the Top' and 'What I've Been Looking For', the pairs work together is a delight making both a perfect casting.
Tobias Turley, plays Troy Bolton. Turley brings a likeable performance to the role of Troy, Turley displays charm and great connection with Leonor Correia playing Gabriella Montez. Turley executes Renfree's choreography with ease, tackling with basketballs and choreography with sheer skill as well as giving an excellent vocal performance.
Notable mentions go to Curtis Patrick playing Jack Scott who presents a funny frantic performance, and Yna Tresvalles as Kelsi Nielsen who delivers a sincere character.
Aaron Renfree's choreography is an electric feat, it's skilled, and seamlessly interlinking with co-directors Joseph Houston and William Whelton's direction. Renfree's basketball choreography during 'Get'cha Head in the Game' is slick and overall hits on every beat throughout.
Andrew Exeter wows with the productions set design, with fitting on stage courtside seating, and extended stage the first look when walking into the auditorium before the show brings you a very excited feel. Exeter's design looks and feels huge, with some moving set pieces such as stairs, lockers and more, each piece takes you throughout the world of East High, its an inviting design, all made more impressive by Rory Beaton's bright and sometimes atmospheric lighting design.
Overall, High School Musical is a nostalgic throwback, faithful to its original film while still keeping up with the modern age without any hinderance, the film has undeniably stood the test of time, and is still so adored today - which was proven by audience reactions around me. For me I was beaming all the way through, and this show is not just for Disney fans, but for general theatre fans too.
High School Musical is a campy uplifting escapism everyone needs to see.
★★★★★
High School Musical plays at The Lowry in Salford until 19th of September before transferring to London playing at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre:
