We’re all in this together… because High School Musical is back! Disney’s smash-hit musical is returning to UK stages, bringing its infectious songs, unforgettable characters and East High spirit to a whole new generation of theatre-goers. Taking on one of musical theatre’s most iconic roles is the brilliant CaitlinTipping, who stars as the fabulous Sharpay Evans. We caught up with Caitlin to chat about stepping into Sharpay’s heels, rehearsals, dream roles and her journey into the industry.
Q1.Caitlin,congratulationsonlandingtheroleofSharpayEvans!She’ssuchaniconic character. What was your reaction when you found out you’d be playing her?
Honestly I think I was in total shock when I found out I would be playing Sharpay Evans. I don’t think I really understood how major that would be until even months down the line. It’s a role that little Caitlin would be losing her mind at.
Q2. Sharpay has become one of Disney’s most recognisable musical theatre characters. Whatdoyoulovemostaboutplayingher,andhaveyoudiscoveredanythingaboutherthat surprised you during rehearsals?
Even though Sharpay is portrayed as the villain, she is still able to be so memorable and lovable because of her strong sense of self and how unapologetically fabulous she is. I love getting to play with that. It’s also so fun getting to play with new scenes that are in the musical and discovering what I think Sharpay might do and say in these moments that aren’t necessarily in the movie. It’s like having bonus scenes.
Q3.HighSchoolMusicalhasintroducedsomanypeopletomusicaltheatreovertheyears. Were you a fan of the films growing up, and if so, do you remember your favourite moment?
I was a HUGE fan of the films growing up. I had posters on my bedroom wall. I would recreate the scenes in my room. I remember loving High School Musical 2 the most and listening to the songs over and over again on the family computer until I knew all the words. I remember loving seeing Sharpay in her element in Fabulous.
Q4.Theshowispackedwithhugemusicalnumbersandenergeticchoreography.Which scene or song are you most excited for audiences to see?
I think Stick to the Status Quo is going to be epic. Having our full ensemble recreating that moment with Aaron Renfree’s incredible choreography and having all the iconic characters shine through. It’s just a flood of nostalgia and Disney joy that I think we’re going to fill for so many people whilst making it even more amazing than before.
Q5.TheproductionwillbeopeninginSalfordbeforeheadingtoLondon.Whatareyou most looking forward to about bringing High School Musical to audiences in these two incredible locations?
The last time I was in the Lowry was with SIX The Musical in the exact same theatre and the audiences there are incredible. I think it’s the perfect place to start the journey for this production of Disney’s High School Musical. Both Lowry and the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre are going to be transformed on a huge scale so I can’t wait for audiences to come and see and be immersed back to the 2000s at East High.
Q6. Sharpay is one of musical theatre’s most recognisable characters, with so many fans alreadyhavingtheirownideaofwhosheis.Howdoyouapproachmakingsuchaniconic role your own while still staying true to the character everyone knows and loves?
I think with Sharpay being so iconic, I want to make sure I hit all those marks of what people love and expect to see from her. But the musical gives her so much room to be more and show maybe even a slightly heightened version of her. The costume designs we have for Sharpay are sure to help with that. She is going to look fabulous and extra in every scene, I can’t wait! But playing with sprinkling her humour and sensitive side has already been really nice.
Q7.Everyperformerhastheirownrouteintotheindustry.Whatfirstmadeyourealisethat performing was what you wanted to do professionally?
I was actually quite late to deciding that musical theatre was a career I wanted to pursue. I was 17 and about to leave high school and I knew I didn’t want to go to a university, so I auditioned for a really small drama school in Edinburgh that I had been going to for Saturday dance and singing classes. I don’t think it was even until I got there that I realised I could really make a career of performing. It was the older girls in that school that inspired me, I had no idea about the industry or the massive schools in London.
Q8.IfyoucouldswaproleswithanyothercharacterinHighSchoolMusicalforone performance, who would it be and why?
I would want to swap parts with Troy. Being the heartthrob basketball boy would be really cool for one day. As long as I was also actually really good at basketball.
Q9.Lookingbackatyourtrainingandcareersofar,what’sthebestpieceofadviceyou’ve ever been given as a performer?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is to remember what makes you unique and that being yourself will always bring something new to the role. Lean into what makes you individual.
Q10.Finally,whatadvicewouldyougivetoyoungperformersdreamingofonedaystarring in a Disney musical?
The best piece of advice I could give to young performers would be to make the most of every opportunity available. I always wished I had got more involved from a younger age. So if you can join the drama club at school or take part in amateur productions then do it! It creates such an amazing foundation to take into your training and professional career.
