Review! High School Musical at Wembley Troubadour, October 2026

High School Musical has arrived in London! Go Wildcats!

High School Musical could have gone so badly wrong, it is after all a lightweight, slightly cheesy Disney movie. However, this 20th anniversary musical based on the film skilfully mixes nostalgia with incredible new choreography from Aaron Renfree, amazing set design and a cast who are simply outstanding. Joe Houston and Will Wheaton as co producers and directors have created the most joyous musical of 2026. If you haven't seen our interview with them, be sure to catch it on our interviews tab!

I was fortunate enough to be sat courtside - set up as a basketball court with bleacher seats, I felt absolutely transported to the American High School envionment and you get a very different view and so much cast interaction, it’s not just theatre, this is a fully immersive theatrical experience. The cheerleaders leading the wildcat cheer are brilliant, and there wasn’t one child (or adult!) who wasn’t doing the wildcat claws at various points!

It is difficult to pick out stand out cast members, as an ensemble they are full of energy with amazing vocals and clean choreography. It’s clear they love working together. Tobias Turley’s Troy is so likeable, and Leonor Correia is a fabulous Gabriella, giving the character more depth and a bit more bite than her film counterpart. Their vocals are beautiful. It is jaw dropping watching Tobias and the male ensemble members singing Get’cha head in the game with the basketball choreo. Luke Bayer and Caitlin Tipping as Ryan and Sharpay are note perfect, hilarious and catty with perhaps the catchiest numbers in the show.

Honestly, I loved every single actor in this show and it would be a very long review if I said all I wanted to say! I will call out Char Burnett and Jordan Benjamin for their chemistry and vocals, Yna Tresvalles for her gorgeous portrayal of Kelsie and Olivia O’Connor for being a worthy successor of the “pop and lock, and jam and break” as Martha. Curtis Patrick as Jack Scott, a new character in the musical as the school announcer is hilarious and helps move the story along at pace. 

I obviously have to mention the OG cast member, Kaycee Stroh as drama teacher, Ms Darbus. This is by far, the most genius piece of casting ever - and if you are frequent to social media then you'll know that seeing the original Martha give her iconic pop, lock, jam and break (is that even legal?) is an audience favourite as well as having those Darbus moments down to a fine tee. McFly's Harry Judd as Coach Bolton is fabulous, and I just loved the chemistry between him and Kaycee as warring faculty members.

This non-replica production of High School Musical is full of absolutely laugh out loud moments (James the worm, anyone? If you know, you know!) gorgeous vocals, amazing dances and joyful nostalgia, I can honestly say that it is the most fun night out I have had in years.

If you want to see a show which has you grinning from ear to ear, this is absolutely the show for you. It is undiluted joy from start to finish, ending with the most energetic megamix to send you out of the theatre singing! Whether you’re a long time Disney fan seeking nostalgia or new to the fandom, this show comes highly recommended. If you’re a fan of the original or not, you can’t fail to be uplifted and charmed by this incredible show. See it before it goes in January!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Disney's High School Musical | London until 3 Jan 

Reviewed by Sam Silsby