Top marks for Les & Liam in HSM2

By Sophie Barnett
Resident of Ipswich

Nikki Mae as Gabriella & Liam Doyle Troy in the Disney story

Having seen High School Musical 2 on DVD, I was unsure of how it would translate to the stage.

However, fans who have watched the movie countless times will not be disappointed by the touring version at Ipswich's Regent Theatre.

One of the best performers was Liam Doyle who plays the main role of Troy, which he won in a GMTV competition.

Another spectacular performance was from comedian and actor Les Dennis who played the part of Mr Fulton.

After a delayed start, the musical began...

The summer is finally here at East High School. For Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the Wildcats, summer means finding jobs to pay for the ever-looming college fees.

So when the manager of Lava Springs Country Club rings up and offers the whole of the Wildcat team jobs, Troy readily accepts, blissfully unaware that Lava Springs is owned by the parents of fellow students (and rivals) Sharpay and Ryan.

When Sharpay realises that it's not just Troy who has come to work at Lava Springs, sparks fly as Sharpay believes that she is perfect for Troy, even though Troy and Gabriella are a couple.

She also wants Troy to sing with her at the Lava Springs talent show, which unsurprisingly she has won every year.

Sharpay is determined to make the other Wildcat team members, especially Gabriella, quit their job.

At the same time Sharpay makes her parents promote Troy and even makes him meet her parents and promise to sing with her at the talent show.

Troy ends up missing previously arranged events so he can play basketball with a famous team, which subsequently infuriates his friends.

This and subsequent events cause Troy to think how he has treated his friends and comes up with a plan to make sure all of the Wildcat team can participate in the show.

Actor Liam Doyle, like Troy, played lots of sport in school and had grief from his classmates at first.

The revival of Les Dennis's career continues, and he's great in the role of teacher Mr Fulton.

Les was the host of Family Fortunes for over 15 years and after a not too successful spell in the Celebrity Big Brother house, he was praised by the critics for sending himself up in an episode of Extras with Ricky Gervais.

He's gone on to star on stage in Chicago and now High School Musical.

The set design was bright, colourful and impressive. There were also many varied set changes which added realism.

With fantastic choreographed dancing the whole story came alive.

Most of the songs performed featured in the movie, however there were some added surprises along the way.

The young actresses and actors did a flawless performance with realistic accents.

The live band created a stunning and upbeat atmosphere.

High School Musical 2's UK tour opened in Wimbledon in August 2009

I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and would be happy to watch it again and recommend it to everyone.

With all-singing, all-dancing tunes, fabulous acting, plus some hidden surprises, including beach balls being thrown into the audience, this is one show not to be missed.

High School Musical 2 is at the Ipswich Regent, Monday, 28 September - Saturday, 3 October 2009.