Ashley Day and Claire-Marie Hall star in High Street Musical at Liverpool Empire

Jun 10 2009 by Will Harris, Ellesmere Port Pioneer

They may not be Zac Efron or Vanessa Hudgens – but High School Musical stars Ashley Day and Claire-Marie Hall still find themselves in hot demand.

The duo, who take up the starring roles of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez in the touring stage production, have embarked on a week-long run at the Liverpool Empire until June 13.

Disney has created a monster out of the success of the worldwide teenybopper phenomenon, which the two say is something they have to take on the chin.

“Sometimes you just want your own time,” said Ashley. “Then all of a sudden 10 girls want your photo with them. You have to put up with it but you can’t complain. It’s what every actor wants I guess.

“I have two months left and I think I am ready to graduate from East High. I still love doing the show. It’s a great show to perform and we have a great time.”

Claire-Marie said: “I think the kids know what to expect. It’s the same characters and we stay true enough to them.

“We get lots of people at the stage door so we must be doing something right.”

With a plot described as a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by the author, High School Musical is about two high school juniors from rival cliques.

Basketball captain Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, a beautiful and shy transfer student who excels in maths and science, try out for the lead parts in their high school musical and, as a result, divide the school.

Despite other students’ attempts to thwart their dreams, Troy and Gabriella resist peer pressure and rivalry, inspiring others along the way.

Ashley and Claire-Marie say that, despite not being the same people fans have watched hundreds of times over, audiences are loving the show all the same.

“You can tell from the audience reaction that it takes five minutes or so for them to make the adjustment,” said Ashley. “The young kids have watched the films so many times so all of a sudden, to see someone else doing it must be strange. But it’s introducing kids to the theatre and I think that’s the best thing about the show.”

Claire added: “Obviously you get the friends and the families coming, but we do get quite a few older people who love High School Musical. We did a radio interview recently and one of the other cast members said she spotted a fully grown woman in a cheerleader outfit. I will have to look out for them.”

High School Musical runs from Monday to Saturday, June 8-13. Times are: 7pm Monday to Saturday (except Friday 8pm), matinées 5pm Friday and 2.30pm Saturday.

Tickets are £12.50-£30 by calling the theatre on 01908 547500 or visiting www.ents24.com or www.liverpoolempire.org.uk.