Review of Thurston Community College production of Disney High School Musical On Stage! near Bury St Edmunds

As I settled into my seat for Thurston Community College's production of High School Musical, there was a professional feel to the show from the off.

From the stewards to the auditorium itself, I could have been mistaken for thinking I was in a theatre rather than a school - and I know my young daughters couldn't tell the difference.

Disney's High School Musical tells the story of basketball team captain Troy Bolton and academically-gifted transfer student Gabriella Montez, who try out for lead parts in their school musical, which unsettles the school cliques.

Thurston's whole-college production, with a cast of 120 students, had everything you would expect from a musical stage show, from the dance routines and big number songs right down to the lighting and pit band.

It was glaringly obvious that so many hours, days and months of hard work had gone into the production - and efforts were certainly not wasted.

The actors played their parts beautifully, seemingly at ease on the stage.

Ciara Lewis, who played Gabriella Montez, and Noah Sparkes, who played Troy Bolton, were completely convincing as their characters, and I particularly enjoyed their duet just before the end of act one.

The on-stage character chemistry continued between drama teacher Ms Darbus, played by Lily Raymond, and Coach Bolton, played by Benjamin Langley, whose rivalry played out to everyone's amusement.

Rosie Roberts as Sharplay Evans, Alfie Winder as Ryan Evans, Jess Gipson as Kelsi Nielsen, Harvey Gould as Chad Danforth and Eloise Smith as Taylor Mckessie also shined in their roles - although all the cast were fabulous.

My five-year-old daughter announced 'I loved it' at the end of the show, and I'd have to agree.

The show was a dazzling display of young talent in the performing arts.

Disney High School Musical On Stage! was on at Thurston Community College, near Bury St Edmunds, last week.