Jordan Benjamin (High School Musical on Stage)

With its infectious energy, iconic soundtrack and nostalgic feel, High School Musical holds a special place in the hearts of a generation. Now 20 years after the film first hit our screens, The Wildcats are back, bringing a fresh take on the much-loved story to the stage at London's Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre after an incredibly well received premiere at The Lowry in Salford. In this UK first non-replica production, audiences are invited to step straight into the halls of East High with an immersive, energetic and feel-good love letter to the iconic original film.

Taking on the role of Chad Danforth is Jordan Benjamin, and in this interview, we discuss his love of the films as a child, bringing his own interpretation to one of East High's most iconic Wildcats and working with the creative team to reimagine the iconic film for the stage.

Q) You’re currently playing Chad Danforth in High School Musical on Stage - what was it about this character or the show that piqued your interest and made you want to be involved?

High School Musical was a massive part of my childhood, my sisters loved it, I pretended like I didn’t, but you can’t not love High School Musical! Chad for me was always the coolest character, I didn’t feel cool being the kid who loved to sing and dance, but he made it look effortlessly cool. So, when they gave me the opportunity to play the coolest kid at East High I had to say yes!

Q) What approach did you take in developing your character? Or have you taken any inspiration from the movie when developing your version of Chad?

Everyone has a reason for believing the way they do, and for Chad to believe so strongly that people can only be one thing, I wanted to explore why. I also took massive inspiration from Corbin Bleu’s performance in the films, he seemed so easygoing, playful and fiercely loyal. He didn’t seem like someone with a ton of outside pressure (other than from coach). I wanted to spin Chad’s belief into a positive thing, that people should devote all their energy to what they’re good at, what they’re passionate about and to not let anyone distract them! This is what makes Chad so successful in basketball, and he struggles to believe how anyone can reach their potential if they’re not 100% committed.

Q) Can you tell us a little bit more about the non-replica production and what makes this version different from what audiences may expect from the film?

Our show is everything you loved about the film and more! The creative team have done an incredible job at immersing you into East High, with the onstage seating, being taught the Wildcat Cheer in the pre-show and of course the megamix where you finally get to sing along! We also have new additions like our wonderful Jack Scott (school announcer), who is utterly hilarious, and some new songs you’ve never heard before but will never stop hearing. Not to mention the incredible set, the costumes, the live video feed and our amazing band. It’s High School Musical but bigger and better than ever before. You just have to be there!

Q) Is there anything you think audiences might discover about Chad in the stage production that they didn’t necessarily see in the original film?

It’s no secret that Chad is all about basketball, but in our production you see him in environments where he doesn’t excel, like the drama club or the classroom. You learn that Chad doesn’t just love basketball, he heavily relies on it, which is why he’s so desperate to win and ignores what Troy wants.

Q) With High School Musical being such an iconic part of 2000s pop culture - does this bring any additional challenges to bringing this story from screen to stage?

I think the fact that the original film is undeniably iconic elevates our show. Audiences arrive ready to have a good time, to relive their childhood and connect with a story they know and love. Also, it’s amazing to see a whole new generation loving High School Musical, it’s timeless and people can’t help but love it. As a performer, the energy the audience comes in with can make all the difference, and when you walk out and see basketball jerseys pom-poms and a thousand smiling faces, it makes our job so much easier and gives the show so much life!

Q) The original film means so much to an entire generation - how has the audience reacted so far?

Audiences LOVE this show! The feedback at stage door has been so positive, everyone is blown away by the basketballography (which is basketball choreography), the set and video design, the iconic characters come to life and the subtle nods to the naughties. Whenever someone says ‘this show was better than I ever could have imagined’ I feel so much pride.

Q) This production boasts an immersive approach - can you tell us more about how audiences can be transported to the halls of East High?

You can’t get any closer to the action than the onstage/courtside seating. Audiences have the opportunity to learn the Wildcat Cheer in our engaging pre-show, you can smile for the live feed cameras, and you can sing at the top of your lungs in the megamix. When you see this show you automatically become a Wildcat, and once a wildcat, always a wildcat

Q) With theatres as big as the The Lowry and Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, how do you ensure that this immersive element is maintained?

The Lowry and the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre are incredible spaces, they’ve given us the opportunity to completely transform the space and make this show the spectacle that it is. There’s only one way to fill a big space and keep the immersive element…to be BIGGER! This is a BIG show, and we use every ounce of space to bring the audience into our world and reach them where they are.

Q Aaron Renfree’s choreography has received high praise - is there a particular number you particularly look forward to performing each night?

Aaron and Jo Dyce (associate choreographer) are a powerhouse duo, and their choreography not only looks incredible, but it feels incredible to do. However, the number I look forward to the most is 100% Stick to the Status Quo! Firstly, it’s my favourite song in the show and it’s a number where less and full out is not possible, which is where I live. Also knowing the interval is right after, I can completely let go and it’s so much fun.

Q) Is basketball something you were interested in prior to taking on this role, or is that something you’ve had to learn alongside preparing for the role?

I played a little basketball as a teenager, but only enough to not look completely clueless! I did a lot of practice in the weeks leading up to rehearsals, and we got sent multiple drills to practice, so I’ve definitely improved and am enjoying it so much more.

Q) You’ve previously appeared in Hamilton and The Little Big Things. What has your journey through those productions taught you that you’ve been able to bring into High School Musical and how does playing Chad compare with some of the roles you’ve taken on previously?

Honestly, the biggest thing I’ve learnt from my previous jobs is to trust myself more. Yes I’ve learned to be more character focused, to live in every moment onstage, to connect and react to my cast mates, but it’s difficult in a rehearsal process to fully trust that you’re doing the right thing, and to trust that what you’re doing is good enough. I’m not completely there but I’m definitely getting better at trusting and believing in myself, which I think ultimately makes me a better performer. Also helps that I’m used to playing confident outspoken children both in Hamilton and The Little Big Things and I think Chad has Dom’s fun energy and zest for life with Philip’s determination and confidence.

Q) Why should audiences come along, and what are you hoping that they take away from this production?

If you want to experience pure joy, pure nostalgia and pure FUN, you need to come and see High School Musical! This is a great time for High School Musical to come back because the message that anyone can be anything they want to be, that you shouldn’t let anyone limit your potential or stop you from being who you are couldn’t be more relevant. I hope people leave a little freer to be who they are and know there are people who will support them, because ‘We’re All In This Together!’

Q) And finally, the all-important question: if you had to challenge one member of the cast to a basketball match, who would you pick — and do you think you’d win?

It has to be Tobias Turley!! A Troy vs Chad final showdown. He’d absolutely destroy me, but I’d give it a good go.

High School Musical on Stage plays at London's Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 03rd January - tickets and more information can be found here.

Photography by Matt Crockett