High School Musical (2025), The Dovehouse Theatre, Birmingham

High School Musical. Youth Onstage. Dovehouse Theatre. 1st May 2025.

High School Musical tells the age-old story of boy meets girl. As always, the path to true love isn’t smooth but I don’t think I’m giving anything away when I say there’s a happy ending. 

Based on the Disney film of the same name, this was another treat from Youth Onstage. I’ve never seen the film and wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it much. Set in an American high school, the action takes place over a week, moving swiftly through different locations around the school. It was jampacked with action from the very beginning.

Sets were simple but very appropriate, always adding to the atmosphere, while lighting was spot on, bringing the story to life. Costumes were very effective and clearly well thought out. 

It’s really difficult to talk about just one or two of these amazing young people but this review would go on forever if I mentioned each member of the cast so I will mention a few who really stood out for me. James Berryman was well cast as Troy. He threw himself into the role and was really believable, while Deanna Mullen gave a faultless performance as his love interest, Gabriella. Her singing voice is absolutely exquisite and I could listen to her forever. Rosa Marks was great as the spoilt, jealous, Sharpay. She sang really well and had great chemistry with Aedan Mason as her twin brother, Ryan. Another standout for me was Eva Whitehouse. I could not believe this was her first show. She was amazing and I certainly think she is one to watch. I will look forward to seeing her in more roles as time goes on. 

I must also mention Evie Franklin as Darbus. She was perfectly cast as the over-the-top drama teacher. Her comic timing is great. As for the rest, each and every one of the cast was believable. Choreography worked well and timings were impeccable. I was surprised by how well they all kept their American accents going throughout.

Overall, this was comical, high action, noisy, and enjoyable. It kept the audience entertained from start to finish. It was just wonderful. Well done Youth Onstage. Can’t wait for the next one!

Review by Lesley La’Moon