The stage version of the Disney hit High School Musical made its London debut on Saturday night to an audience of screaming fans.

The show is the latest new outing for the record-breaking global phenomenon, which first appeared as a children's TV film over two years ago.

The 32-strong cast includes former EastEnders star Letitia Dean, who is winning critical acclaim for her portrayal of drama teacher Ms Darbus.

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Making a song and dance: former EastEnder Letitia Dean, Claire-Marie Hall and Mark Evans

The stage version is based on the original film, which has been seen by millions of viewers worldwide and became the fastest-selling TV movie on DVD.

The show's nine-week run coincides with a UK-wide tour, which has already visited a number of cities including Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

Donning glasses and a variety of flowing outfits, Letitia plays the role originally made famous by Alyson Reed in 'High School Musical' and 'High School Musical 2' - and even debuts her vocal talents at the end of the show.

Letitia Dean works up a storm as drama teacher Ms Darbus in the stage version of High School Musical

Speaking about the role earlier this year, Letitia said: 'I'm so, so excited. I can't wait to get started. I adore musical theatre - I grew up loving shows like 'Calamity Jane'. But the last time I was actually in one myself was when I was 13 and in 'Annie'. So this is my chance to polish up what I learned in my youth.

'It's very nerve-wracking and I only hope I do the role justice. I've been working on my American accent and I'm getting there!'

A donation from the show was made to Great Ormond Street Hospital's children's charity as part of Disney's partnership with the hospital.

The whole cast take a curtain call at the London premiere

Steve Fickinger of Disney Theatrical Productions said: "Since High School Musical is a story about young people and for young people, and has been embraced by kids worldwide, it is only fitting that our London premiere will benefit one of the world's leading children's hospitals."

Based on the Disney film franchise, it is set in a US high school where the students are 'brainiacs' or 'jocks'.

Original cast: Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens

Gabriella (a lovable Claire-Marie Hall), is a brainiac who falls for Troy (Mark Evans, surprisingly fanciable for a 23-year-old disguised as a teenager) as they bond over a passion for drama.

High School musical was Disney Channel's most watched movie at its time, with 7.7 million viewers in its premiere broadcast in the US.

In the UK, the premiere received 789,000 viewers for its premiere (and 1.2 million viewers overall during the first week), making it the second most watched program for the Disney Channel (UK) of 2006.

It was also the first ever Disney Channel movie to be broadcast on the BBC.

With a plot described by the author and numerous critics as a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, High School musical is a story about two high school juniors from rival groups.

Troy Bolton (played by Zac Efron) , captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez (played by Vanessa Hudgens), a beautiful and shy transfer student who excels in maths 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 not to "stick with the status quo."