High School Musical On Stage
at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London, UK on October 21st, 2026
Words by Emily Young
20 years on from its Disney Channel debut, High School Musical has resurfaced in its newest iteration at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
From the moment the audience steps into the theatre, they are transported to the world of Albuquerque’s East High. Wildcat banners line every wall amidst the red-and-white theming, and fans can even check out the High School Musical karaoke booth, provided they can make it through the queue wrapping around the lobby before the show starts.
Once the auditorium doors open, the audience enters East High’s basketball gym through an immersive soundscape of bouncing basketballs, cheering crowds and squeaky shoes against the floor. The East High cheerleaders soon take to the stage to teach the audience the new iteration of the “Wildcat” cheer, and before you know it, the show has begun.
Starting a new era of Wildcats, Tobias Turley takes the lead as Troy Bolton, offering the playful charm we’re so used to from the show’s heartthrob. Leonor Correia stuns as Gabriella Montez; her sweet approach to the character is heightened by an impressive vocal performance. While the pair’s chemistry occasionally falls flat, their voices do not disappoint.
Caitlin Tipping has the chance to step into Sharpay’s shoes, and her stellar performance is complemented by her on-stage brother, Luke Bayer, as Ryan. The pair have their characters down to a T, with each hair flick, sassy facial expression and jazz square you’d expect from Ryan and Sharpay Evans.
The introduction of East High’s student radio show host Jack Scott is a welcome addition, with actor Curtis Patrick’s comedic scene transitions fitting seamlessly into the well-loved story.
Having originated the role of Martha Cox in the Disney Channel films, KayCee Stroh takes the stage as Ms Darbus, flourishing in the role as though it was always the plan–a natural progression that just makes sense. With homage throughout the show to Martha’s original pop-and-lock style thrown in, Stroh expands the High School Musical world for a new generation, while evidently reliving her own Wildcat experience.
McFly’s Harry Judd joins the cast as Coach Bolton for the London run. While the role itself lacks showbiz, Judd puts his all into his multiple run-ins with rival Ms Darbus.
These casting choices do leave room for improvement, as adult characters are visually similar in age to the leads, disrupting the authenticity of the high school setting. However, the production hits the mark with its star-studded ensemble of fresh and familiar faces, who are a relentless force throughout.
Set on a basketball court, the production showcases its creative set design by using lockers that pop out into stages and other moving props that transform each scene, taking the audience on a journey through the school’s classrooms and beyond.
Screens are used throughout the performance in various ways, including a playful and innocent “kiss cam” style segment with the audience, further solidifying the atmosphere of being courtside at a Wildcats basketball game.
Reimagining a beloved world that has an entire generation in a chokehold is no easy feat, but co-directors Joseph Houston and William Whelton deliver an energised and electric spin on the revival. High School Musical On Stage is nostalgic euphoria for Wildcats new and old, with original Wildcats singing their hearts out to every word and younger generations wide-eyed as they soak it in for the first time.
Tickets from £35
HighSchoolMusicalOnStage.com
12 October 2026 – 3 January 2027
Emily Young
★★★★☆
