High School Musical – The Lowry, Salford

Music/Lyrics: Matthew Gerrard, Robie Nevil, Ray Cham, Greg Cham, Andrew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Bryan Louiselle, David N Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, Jamie Houston

Book: David Simpatico

Directors: Joseph Houston & William Whelton

There is something rather fitting about High School Musical arriving at The Lowry in a production that feels like a graduation of sorts for Hope Mill Theatre. The Manchester-based company has come a long way from its fringe beginnings, and this ambitious production demonstrates that it is now firmly establishing itself as one of the strongest regional producers working in the country.

Directors Joseph Houston and William Whelton embrace that ambition wholeheartedly. Following the recently announced West End revival of RENT, it is clear that Hope Mill Theatre is no longer content simply to produce excellent work on its home turf. Instead, the company is demonstrating that it has the ambition, creative talent and vision to take its productions to a much larger stage. This feels less like a step up for Hope Mill Theatre and more like a genuine statement of intent.

And what better show to make that statement with than High School Musical? The familiar hits are all present and correct, and Aaron Renfree’s energetic choreography ensures that they are delivered with an infectious sense of fun. The production understands exactly what audiences come to see, while finding plenty of opportunities to put its own theatrical stamp on the material.

Andrew Exeter’s set design is another highlight. The Lyric Stage is transformed into a full-size basketball court, which cleverly adapts throughout the evening to accommodate the various locations. The design proves impressively versatile, allowing transitions to happen smoothly and quickly without interrupting the flow of the action. The use of live cameras and video projection adds another clever layer to proceedings, giving the production a contemporary visual edge while creating some particularly effective theatrical moments.

Houston and Whelton keep everything moving at a suitably brisk pace, and there is plenty for theatre fans to enjoy along the way. Musical theatre references, knowing nods and playful pastiches are scattered throughout, adding an extra layer of humour without distracting from the central story.

At the top of the cast, Jason Donovan takes on the role of Coach Bolton. His performance is perhaps more functional than fantastic, providing a dependable presence rather than a standout turn. By contrast, Kaycee Stroh, who played Martha in the original film, clearly relishes her return to the High School Musical universe as drama teacher Ms Darbus. She throws herself into the role with plenty of panache and dramatic flair, and there is a genuine sense that she is relishing every moment as she revisits such an iconic period of her own career.

As the central protagonists, Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia make an engaging Troy and Gabriella. Their chemistry is immediately apparent, while their strong vocals give the familiar characters plenty of life and warmth. Luke Bayer and Caitlin Tipping are equally brilliant as Ryan and Sharpay. Their characterisations acknowledge the legacy of the original film without simply attempting to recreate it, allowing both performers to bring their own flair and comic timing to these iconic roles. Yna Tresvalles also provides plenty to enjoy as musical composer Kelsi.

The ensemble deserves considerable praise. They are energetic, committed and thoroughly engaging throughout, bringing a real sense of youthful exuberance to the production and ensuring that the stage always feels alive.

There is, however, one element that feels less successful. The production offers on-stage audience seating, but from an audience perspective much of the action remains directed end-on. As a result, it is difficult to see exactly what this additional seating brings to the overall experience, and it can feel more like a gimmick than an essential part of the staging.

That small reservation aside, High School Musical feels significant. More than simply a successful production of a much-loved musical, it acts as a marker for the future of Hope Mill Theatre and what the company can produce when its ambitions extend beyond the fringe.

Hope Mill Theatre has, in many ways, graduated with this production, and there is every reason to be excited about what comes next. The hope is that the company continues to push boundaries while championing new creatives and performers, particularly those from the North West, where it is now firmly established as an important part of the region’s theatrical landscape.

High School Musical is bright, energetic and thoroughly entertaining, but perhaps most importantly, it feels like a glimpse of where Hope Mill Theatre goes next.

Runs until 19 September before transferring to London