RYAN
Looker is following in the footsteps of his famous cousin Rylan Clark to take the lead role in the Solomon Artistes production of High School Musical The Palace Theatre in Westcliff (29 May – 2 June 2013)
18 year old Ryan from South Ockendon is joining dozens of youngsters of all ages from across Essex to play the lead role of Troy in the smash hit musical.
Ryan – who has already had small parts in EastEnders and Black Mirror – says “I am honoured to be playing the role of Troy. Rylan’s success in X Factor has truly inspired me to pursue my dream to be an actor. I thoroughly enjoy working with Solomon Artistes as they are always so professional and I have learnt so much from their Directors, Musical Directors and Choreographers. I am hoping that my cousin Rylan will be able to come along and see the show – but it obviously all depends on his busy work schedule.”
High School Musical is based on the popular Disney Channel film – a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet – which tells the story of two high school juniors from rival cliques. Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) is captain of the basketball team and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) is a shy transfer student who excels in math and science. Together they 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 whilst singing hit songs include Breaking Free and We’re All in This Together.
High School Musical is another production from Southend-based Solomon Artistes, which has a philosophy of giving youngsters who would like a career on the stage, the opportunity to see what it’s really like.
Producer and Director Ted Houser says “I think it is really important to give talented youngsters an opportunity to learn about the business first hand and then show the world what they can do. I am very lucky to have lots of great contacts in the industry so we usually have West End casting directors and agents in the audience for our productions. I am very proud that as a direct result in being in one of my shows kids we’ve trained have gone on to enjoy successful careers on the West End stage and TV screens – somewhere I am sure young Ryan is headed!”
