Sixteen years ago, Rhianna Howard was one of the lead characters in Witham Operatic Workshop’s High School Musical.

This year she tackled it again, this time from the director’s chair.

With the help of choreographer Shelley Finn – also in the 2008 cast - she marshalled her forces with skill and precision to produce an evening full of vibrancy and colour.

One of the attractions this musical has for a set of young actors – all are under 21 – is that all but two of the characters are their own age. 

Braintree and Witham Times: Theatrical - A close-up of Rhianna Gregory who plays Sharpay, and Madison Austin who plays TaylorTheatrical - A close-up of Rhianna Gregory who plays Sharpay, and Madison Austin who plays Taylor (Image: Tim Eacott)

Braintree and Witham Times: On stage - Members of the wildcatsOn stage - Members of the wildcats (Image: Tim Eacott)

Braintree and Witham Times: Actors - members of Witham Operatic Workshop during the showActors - members of Witham Operatic Workshop during the show (Image: Tim Eacott)

Braintree and Witham Times: Energetic -Fionn Crickett who plays Ryan, Rhianna Gregory who plays Sharpay, and Cleo Gunn as Kelsi Energetic -Fionn Crickett who plays Ryan, Rhianna Gregory who plays Sharpay, and Cleo Gunn as Kelsi (Image: Tim Eacott)

So there was added poignancy to the romance between the ‘basketball guy’ and the ‘freaky math girl’ – and Kieran Wingrove (Troy) and Poppy Taylor (Gabriella) had some lovely moments together, notably in the tender I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

Gabriella’s reserve and studiousness contrasted with the strident all-American drama queen Sharpay, which Rhianna Gregory milks for all its worth.

Hattie Phillips convinces as the short sharp disciplinarian teacher Ms Darbus, while Cleo Gunn shines as the quietly effective musician, and Jack McConnell neatly carries off the bemusement of the continuity announcer.

The show’s lengthy finale gives the director and choreographer the opportunity to give the whole cast centre stage as they as they gyrate, swing and sing.

Braintree and Witham Times: Funny- Actor Rhianna Gregory surrounded by other members of the castFunny- Actor Rhianna Gregory surrounded by other members of the cast (Image: Tim Eacott)

Braintree and Witham Times: Talented - Actors Rhianna Gregory and Fionn Crickett on stageTalented - Actors Rhianna Gregory and Fionn Crickett on stage (Image: Tim Eacott)

Braintree and Witham Times: All in this together - Witham Operatic Workshop members performingAll in this together - Witham Operatic Workshop members performing (Image: Tim Eacott)

Braintree and Witham Times: Thrilling - Actor Poppy Taylor as Gabriella MontezThrilling - Actor Poppy Taylor as Gabriella Montez (Image: Tim Eacott)

One of the cast described it in the programme as exhausting and enjoyable. 

Exhausting for them it may have been.

Enjoyable for the audience it certainly was.