The Bay C.E School in Sandown took us back to our millennial childhoods with the Disney hit “High School Musical”: the series that launched the careers of Zack Efron and Vanessa Hudgens that brings together star crossed sweethearts Troy and Gabriella from across their High School’s various cliques, united by their love of singing and drama.

This production was paced at a speedy 1hr running time and really cranked out song after song in quick succession, ably delivered by a lively and slick chorus. The dancing and choreography was on point with performers sprinting and sashaying down the aisle and around the whole audience. It really added to the immersion of the piece and real props must be given to the creative team of Mr Griffiths on the music alongside Mrs Creggwood and a host of other teachers giving up their time to make this.

There were some standouts in the show’s young cast as well. To list but just a few examples, Lana G and Mona S ably anchored the show with tuneful lead performances. Charlotte J had a ball being Sharpay, and her chemistry with Livie-Mai W who played a sparkly pink Ryan was enjoyable to watch. Blaize S, Betty G, Matthew M and Harriet J played an energetic ensemble of Jocks and Braniacs who really made you feel like a fly on the wall of a High School hall, watching these groups of young people realise their shared interests and learn that they are indeed…all in this together.

Special props must go to Poppy M who played Chad, Troy’s Basketball Bud. They had a very natural delivery in their comic timing and dialogue. One to watch for the future. Ruby C as Ms Darbus also shone as the teacher trying to get her perfect pair in the musical she was making.

The stage had a superb lighting rig and the staging was well laid out. The addition of a raised platform for performing will be a welcome asset to shows like this, as it would be a shame to have certain parts of shows hard to see from an audience member near the back. Tech wise the show was a little quiet in places, a shame as the performers on stage were confident in their line delivery, and proved they were up to the challenge of tackling multiple harmonies in the many songs of the piece.

All in all, The Bay put on a memorable evening that really highlighted the collaborative effort that putting on a show like this takes. The staff in their speech at the end really conveyed their passion and drive to give young students great opportunities for creativity and growth in the arts. Well done to all involved.

Only one thing for me to say….What Team?

WILDCATS

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Reviewed by Olly Fry