High School Musical
Although it’s insanely popular as a brand – mostly the film series, of course – High School Musical (the musical) hasn’t spent a huge amount of time on London stages, and really none since the original production came over here almost 20 years ago, after it was quickly knocked out following the suprise success of the original TV movie. Is it a great musical? Let’s maybe set that one aside and simply say that it’s now so intertwined with a generation’s formative experiences that it can’t fail to thrill.
The plot is basically that of the film, a Grease-like jocks versus nerds romantic kerfuffle set at a New Mexico high school.
This, then, is the first ever original British production of the musical, which has a book by David Simpatico and 13 named songwriters/lyricists (the Disney TV movie production line being what it is). It’s co-directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with the hadline event as far as casting goes being the appearance of Harry Judd (of McFly fame) as gym teacher Coach Bolton. It’s recommended for ages six and above.