As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of attending Millfield Science and Performing Arts College’s production of High School Musical Jr. on Thursday 12th February 2026. Under the brilliant guidance of Head of Drama, Miss Cambridge, the cast and crew brought great energy and enthusiasm to the stage. From the opening number to the final curtain call, it was evident that considerable dedication, teamwork and rehearsal had gone into the performance, resulting in a production that was as polished as it was heart-warming. The vibrant choreography and soaring vocals truly captured the spirit of East High, drawing the audience into a world where “breaking the status quo” was celebrated with every beat.
High School Musical Jr. is the stage adaptation of the hugely popular Disney Channel movie, High School Musical. Set at East High, the story follows Troy, the school’s star basketball player, and Gabriella, a shy but academically gifted newcomer, who unexpectedly audition for the school musical. Their decision challenges the unwritten social rules of the school, where pupils are expected to stay within their familiar groups, whether that is athletes, academics, or performers. As rehearsals unfold, friendships are tested and rivalries emerge, particularly from those determined to protect the status quo. Through catchy songs, lively choreography, and heartfelt moments, the story celebrates individuality, teamwork, and the courage to try something new.
Issy, in the role of Gabriella, demonstrated beautiful vocal ability throughout the show. She crafted a character with quiet confidence, warmth, and innocence, providing an effective contrast to Sharpay’s bold personality. Her naturalistic acting style made her performance feel sincere and relatable, with particularly good vocals in ‘What I’ve Been Looking For (Reprise)’ and ‘Breaking Free,’ where she sang with clarity and heartfelt emotion.
Oliver, playing Troy, brought charm to the role, convincingly portraying his character’s dilemma between maintaining his status as a popular basketball player and pursuing his love of singing. He achieved a good balance of confidence and emotional vulnerability, especially in his scenes with Gabriella. Oliver and Issy’s duet in ‘What I’ve Been Looking For (Reprise)’ was a touching and wholesome moment, with both performers conveying emotion through their vocals.
Molly’s portrayal of Sharpay was a particular strength. She commanded the stage every time she appeared, delivering a performance full of confidence, flair, and impressive vocal ability. Her characterisation was excellent, fully capturing Sharpay’s bold, popular, diva-like personality with style and conviction. Molly’s American accent was consistent and convincing, and her sense of sass made her portrayal thoroughly entertaining to watch. She built her performance skilfully throughout, leading powerfully into ‘Status Quo’ and ensuring her character remained central to the show’s energy.
Molly’s on-stage partnership with Max, who played Ryan, was equally impressive. The pair complemented each other beautifully, creating a believable and engaging dynamic. Max brought a warm presence to his role, along with well-timed comedic moments that added charm and balance to their scenes together. His vocal skills were also impressive, and their chemistry enhanced every number they shared, making it a real strength of this production.
Throughout the show, the ensemble remained attentive and engaged, using mime and reactive acting appropriately to support the storytelling. Although the ensemble were all incredible, some performances deserve special mention. Freddie, playing the role of Zeke, consistently brought impressive energy to the stage each time he appeared. He captivated the audience with his strong physical acting skills and was thoroughly engaging to watch throughout. His confident stage presence shone in every scene, and his natural enthusiasm helped lift the energy. Freddie’s commitment to the character added warmth and humour, making his performance both memorable and highly enjoyable. Ruby, playing Ms Darbus, gave a strong and assured performance, fully embracing the character’s melodramatic flair. She portrayed the role with passion and confidence, bringing humour and authority to every scene.
The choreography in the show was lively and engaging, contributing positively to the overall atmosphere of the production. A variety of elements were incorporated, with the cheerleaders performing their sequences confidently and the inclusion of acro skills in the opening number adding real excitement and visual impact. The ensemble’s tunnel during ‘We’re All in This Together’ was particularly effective, and the final lift created a strong and celebratory closing moment. ‘Bop to the Top’ was delivered with energy and commitment. There was thoughtful use of levels within the choreography, which added depth and interest to the staging. The lighting design by Mr Kilburn complemented the action well, particularly in moments of cross-cutting between scenes, enhancing clarity and focus.
A huge amount of credit goes to Miss Cambridge, who was the driving force behind the production. The appreciation shown by the cast at the curtain call reflected the positive working environment fostered throughout rehearsals with Oliver speaking on behalf of the cast to thank her for her efforts. Special mention must also go to Mr Mcminn, who managed the technical aspects of the show, and Mr Mitchell for the music. As perfectly put by Miss Cambridge, the pupils truly embodied the message of the play and the school’s belief that ‘we’re all in this together’. A fantastic message, showing that theatre is not just about the spotlight, but about teamwork, perseverance, and discovering who you are, both onstage and off.