Musical mania grips the fans

High School Musical mania gripped Wolverhampton as the massively popular Disney film was brought to life on the city's main stage, thrilling hundreds of young fans from across the Midlands.

The feelgood show, which opened in a blaze of glory at the Grand Theatre last night, sold out long before Christmas and lived up to the hype.

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The merchandise tills were ringing long before the curtain was raised as fans queued up to buy everything from fridge magnets at £4 to I Love Troy hoodies at £18.

Grand Theatre spokesman Iain Watkins said: "It's fever. Demand has been exceptional and in many ways the popularity of the show is unprecedented."

Among last night's audience were 13-year-olds Arabella Khara, Susie Burrell and Kelsey Fraser – who are mad about the musical, dubbed a modern day, clean-cut Grease for kids.

The three, pupils at The Royal School in Wolverhampton, love the whole ethos of the show. "It's about how people from totally different backgrounds can bond," said Arabella.

Phoebe Malin, aged six, from Earlswood in Birmingham, was with her aunt, TV presenter Jo Malin. Jo said: "Phoebe absolutely loves High School Musical. It's coming to Birmingham in May, but she couldn't wait that long." Dudley fans Sarah Hall and Marin Collins, both aged 15, travelled to the theatre after a day of classes at Ellowes Hall School in Lower Gornal. Sarah said: "The songs are catchy and there are lots of great dance moves. "

Anya Burakowski, aged seven, looked a picture in her High School Musical T-shirt while Jacob Smith, aged 11, from Shareshill, Wolverhampton, was one of the musical's few male fans.

He said: "It's great. I love the songs."

Alan and Sarah Stubbs of Shrewsbury brought their daughter, seven-year-old Lauren. Sarah said: "Lauren loves it and even her three-year-old brother does too."

Teacher Michael Penn, aged 26, from Dudley, who is head of performing arts at Bishop Walsh School in Sutton Coldfield, said: "It's cheesy and light and the kids at school love it."

* The theatre said today a few returned tickets were available. Call the box office on 01902 429212.