Disney's High School Musical, presented by Copleston High School until 14 December

James Hayward

Disney's High School Musical, presented by Copleston High School until 14 December

WITH two movies, dvds, live touring productions, computer games and all manner of other merchandise Disney's High School Musical isn't just a show, it's a phenomenon. And what a phenomenal job the talented students of Copleston High make of it. They are so good (especially their amazing American accents) that you completely forget these kids are from the east side of Ipswich, not the west coast of California.

The show doesn't have anything like the edginess and teenage angst of Grease but its numbers are catchy, and there's a neat boy meets girl storyline that sees Troy, the star basketball player, pairing up with Gabriella, the new girl maths wiz, to audition for the school musical "Juliet and Romeo". Above all, it has a very clear and simple message - that good things really happen when people work together. Everyone here looks out for the rest - whether on the math quiz team or on the basketball court. The only exceptions are spoilt "Queen Bee" Sharpay and her brother Ryan who try to rule the roost in the Drama club.

This the first time Copleston High has mounted a whole school production, and full marks must be awarded to the teaching staff Mrs Pilcher, Miss Heffer, Miss Ewen and Mrs Steward who directed and choreographed.

Camilla Nunn and Edward Pentreath were outstanding as Gabriella and Troy. Rebecca Rowe queened it beautifully as Sharpay and Jack Baker sang well as Ryan. Simon Fenn and Lucy Tomlinson were great as geeky Jack and Kelsi, and the incredibly gymnastic cheer-leaders added grace and energy.

But it's hardly fair to single out individuals, the whole company deserved the wild cheers and ecstatic applause which greeted their final bows.

James Hayward