Kindred Spirits Theatre Company’s High School Musical Jr. – 15 August 2026, Library Theatre
Proof that young people can work well under pressure, Kindred Spirits Theatre Company’s latest production, which went from auditions to full blown show in just five back-to-back summer school days, is my favourite show by the company yet, a fun, energy packed musical that is hard to fault with confidence, outgoing performances from all involved.
Before the show director Heather Reynolds warned the audience that some of the American accents might not be great but as an audience member I hardly noticed, or was having to much fun to notice as the cast perfectly captured the confidence and attitude needed to bring East High to the Sheffield stage. The bond between company members definitely helped maintain the spirit of high school solidarity alongside strong casting and the best choreography and musical numbers I have seen from the company. The choreography, thanks to Chloe Wilson, was fun, sharp and confident with the added obstacle of throwing basketballs (like with skipping ropes in Legally Blonde The Musical always a risk) but successfully delivered. It was impossible to choose favourites from the musical numbers and all were again performed with good arrangements and harmonies, fun, confidence and attitude, strong youthful vocals and full of heart.
At the centre of the musical is the story of young love between basketball star Troy Bolton and brainiac Gabriella Montez. Continuing to step up as the only male the cast, Daniel Carter proved he was just as confidence and versatile portraying the youthful jock Troy as he was Caractacus Potts in the company’s most recent production, with his friendship with his cast mates shining through. He and Lily Clare as Gabriella perfectly captured the sweet, youthful innocence of first love and were easy for the audience to root for. Lily made the character her own and captured that essence of trying to find your place somewhere new.
However my stand out performance came from Anya Illsley-Walsh as Sharpay Evans. I will admit that I have never seen the original movie of High School Musical but as a Clueless / Legally Blonde girl, Anya would shine as Cher / Elle in a junior production of their musical adaptions possessing incredible stage presence, attitude, acting ability, confidence and vocal talent.
In a cast of strong performances I must also give a special mention to Esther Norris as drama teacher Ms Darbus, who captured the maturity and ecstaticity required for the role, and Jemimah Gratze as Coach Bolton, who may not have been believable as Troy’s father but captured the competitive focus of a school coach and also that someone can change. I must also mention Emily Bodman as Jack Scott who took confidence and energy to a new level and if anyone reading this is looking for an announcer they should look no further.
It’s a shame that this much loved movie musical was on for one show only as fans of the original Disney movie would love it but it does show how much the company has gone from strength to strength and built in confidence since first opening its doors three years ago next month and what a welcoming and supportive community the company continues to be.
