High School Musical in London debut

7:38pm Sunday 6th July 2008

The stage version of the Disney hit High School Musical made its London debut to an audience of screaming fans.

The show is the latest new outing for the record-breaking global phenomenon, which first appeared as a children's TV film over two years ago.

The 32-strong cast includes former EastEnders star Letitia Dean, who plays drama teacher Ms Darbus.

The stage version is based on the original film, which has been seen by millions of viewers worldwide and became the fastest-selling TV movie on DVD.

Among the well-known names who turned out for the London premiere was stage performer Bonnie Langford, who attended with her seven-year-old daughter Bibi.

"I think it's great what it stands for, being very clean-cut, life being very simple.

"It's very hopeful, particularly for young people at the moment. It's going back to the age of 'when in doubt, sing'," she said.

A donation from the show was made to Great Ormond Street Hospital's children's charity as part of Disney's partnership with the hospital.

Steve Fickinger of Disney Theatrical Productions said: "Since High School Musical is a story about young people and for young people, and has been embraced by kids worldwide, it is only fitting that our London premiere will benefit one of the world's leading children's hospitals."

The show's nine-week run coincides with a UK-wide tour, which has already visited a number of cities including Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

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