Disney's High School Musical Jr.

Based on the 2006 Disney Channel original movie, Walmsley AKT bring us the smash children's favourite "High School Musical Jr". The action takes place at East High School, as the "jocks", "brainiacs" and "cheerleaders" come together to support each other in mounting their annual school musical. In the midst of it all, new star-crossed lovers Troy and Gabriella navigate their way through the trials of high school and friendship, as they all prove that anything is possible if you're "all in this together".

Hannah Feakin and Bethany Bentham come together as co-directors and choreographers to assemble a 21-strong cast of enthusiastic and talented young performers. The action took place on a fixed set with changeable set pieces, which helped to swiftly change locations between the gymnasium, theatre, and science lab. The lighting by Nathan Emmison was effective, with some great red embellishments to highlight the traditional East High colours. Sound was clear and crisp as to be expected from Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier. Lara Syddall adorned the cast with an impactful and great array of basketball kits, cheerleading outfits, lab coats and theatrical regalia. All highly effective in enhancing the character stereotypes.

The show opened with a lively ensemble of "jocks and cheerleaders" bringing us their "Wildcat cheer", with great execution of the choreography. The principal and supporting players made slick work of the songs, sounding strong and harmonious together in the big ensemble numbers.

The cast was led well by Matthew Shallicker as Troy and Clara Bardsley as Gabriella. They both showcased lovely singing voices and had a great chemistry in their scenes, making their growing friendship believable. In their musical rivals, Niamh Turner as Sharpay and Grace Lindley as Ryan were a fierce dynamic duo. Niamh was spot on as the jealous diva Sharpay, bringing great timing and comedy to the role; and Grace played the ever-obeying brother well with enthusiasm. Ellie Hogg brought great theatricality to the role of Ms Darbus, showcasing maturity with some brilliant expressions and comedy in her quest to mount her precious musical, a great performance. There were some great narrative interjections from Anna Bardsley as Jack Scott; and Eva Haywood as composer Kelsi, was at times scene-stealing with her effective reactions and expressions as well as some highly convincing piano playing; a lovely cameo role. The supporting cast and ensemble worked incredibly well together and were clearly enjoying sharing the stage. It was wonderful to see such an array of ages on stage, giving a fun-filled performance, well supported and enjoyed by the almost capacity audience.

Thank you as always to Nora and the team for your lovely hospitality

Matthew Gavin

Walmsley Church Youth group take on Disney’s High School Musical this year and it’s good to see how the new directors were once in the Youth Group too. Hannah Feakin and Bethany Bentham take on the role of Director and Choreographer. Hats off to Walmsley in giving new directors a chance with the support of the society - it is what is needed in amateur theatre and an investment in the future.

With a cast of 21 Hannah and Bethany’s take on this production with inclusivity - everyone gets a chance. The set was simple to help with all the scene changes. In front of the curtains Stage Left was a bench with foliage. Stage Right was desk and chair and keyboards. The main set was a raised platform at the back with stairs Centre Stage. Ropes hung down to represent the gym and various items were then brought on for the different scenes. Desks and chairs, basketball net, raised chair, notice board and benches. Stage Manager John West, Stage Crew Norman Bowers, Anne Cocking, Dave McGreavy, Gill Pollitt, Zoe West and Linda West. Lighting and Sound all added to the performance. Lighting Nathan Emmison and Sound Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier. Costume all looked in keeping and the Wildcats looked great. Wardrobe by Lara Syddall.

Hannah and Bethany also had a few doubling-up as the Brainiacs, Jocks, Cheerleaders and Thespians. So the cast were kept busy. I loved the Counting On You song.

The cast were Charlie Fairclough as James, Niamh Greenhalgh as Susan, Oscar Stokes as Brainiac, Samuel Dixon as Jock, Sophia Carroll as Cheerleader, Milla McClellan as Cyndra, Alexander Bardsley as Kratnoff and Emily Hamilton as Martha Cox.

Emily Tate was a Drum Major and also signed towards the end of the show which was a lovely touch. Beatrice Whitaker took on the role of Ms Tenny, Moderator and Cathy. Ava Greenhalgh was Zeke Baylor and Sophie Dixon played Chad Danforth.

Anna Bardsley played Jack Scott who kept us informed as to what was going on in the school with attitude. Lucy Pendlebury played Coach Bolton who only wanted his son to play basketball and kept having run-ins with Ms Darbus played by Ellie Hogg who had a good connection with the other characters and gave energy and great characterisation. Taylor McKessie was played by Annabel Clark and did a great job too. Kelsie Nielson was played by Eva Haywood - lovely. Grace Lindley played Ryan Evans who actually ends up turning on his sister. Clara Bardsley played Gabriella Montez who is new to the school and upsets the status quo. Lovely singing - I just wished I could have seen your face clear from your hair, so we get to see your facial expressions. Playing opposite was Matthew Shallicker who played the role of Troy Bolton. I am used to seeing Matthew play the comedian so it’s great to see another side of your acting - well done. Last but not least all pink and glittery was Niamh Turner who plays the spiteful Sharpay Evans who has a hand in everything. Sassy and giving energy - what more would you want. Excellent work.

Thank you for the invite from my guest Angela and I for what was an enjoyable afternoon watching a youth group have fun on stage.

Liz Hume-Dawson