Aberdeen’s GizGiz Youth Theatre got their head in the game and are ready to transport theatre fans to the early 2000s with their production of High School Musical – which is at The Tivoli from tomorrow (Wednesday July 6).
Emily Bannerman, who plays Gabriella Montez, says she has a lot in common with the character made famous by Vanessa Hudgens.
“She’s very like me,” said Emily.
“She’s new to the school and she’s quite shy at first but I love how her character gets more confident throughout the show and I like that Troy brings out that side of her.
“He makes her more confident and comfortable in the school.”
A fan of the three Disney films, Emily told the P&J that she was “very excited” when GizGiz announced the youth theatre’s plans to stage the popular musical.
“We have all the big (music) numbers in there,” said Emily.
“You can all sing along towards the end.”
From Get’cha Head In The Game to Breaking Free
If she had to pick a song she loves performing the most, it would have to be Breaking Free with Troy Bolton, played by north-east actor Josh McPherson.
“I feel like it’s the one song that everyone knows and it’s the most fun to perform at the end of the show,” said Emily.
And while Erin Mehigan does a fabulous job portraying Sharpay Evans – the mean drama club president who thrives to be the centre of attention at all times – Emily assured us there’s no “Sharpay” in the Aberdeen cast.
“No, there’s no Sharpay in real life,” laughed Emily.
“We all get on so well.
“There are a few new members – we’re like a big family – and everyone is so welcoming. It’s so great.”
And what about the costumes?
“We definitely tried to keep the early 2000s kind of vibe with the costumes. You’ll also see all the Wildcat uniforms – they’re very good,” said Emily.
“You’ll feel like you’re being transported to the film.”
Start Of Something New for young actress
And for Emily, joining GizGiz in 2016 really was a Start Of Something New.
The talented performer said: “This is my last show with them as I’m 18 now and I’m moving away for university.
“I’m going to a drama school (Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh) to study acting.
“I was looking for something to fill my passion for arts and as soon as I joined GizGiz I knew that it (acting) was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life!”
In addition to being a stage actress, Emily would also love to be on screen.
She said: “I would really like to be in a period drama – I don’t know why!”
How to book tickets to see High School Musical in Aberdeen
GizGiz’s High School Musical is at The Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen from Wednesday July 6 to Saturday July 9. Tickets can be purchased here.
“We’re so excited for the opening night. The show buzz is starting to hit us now,” said Emily.
The show’s director Lauren Ritchie added: “The kids all worked really hard.
“Post-pandemic, it’s great to be back in the theatre. Every bit of support people can give, coming to see the show… would be very much appreciated.”
Conversation