Mark Crossland, who grew up in Worksop, now performs to audiences of 3,500, six days a week and is thrilled to be doing the job he loves.

”I had amazing teachers at school,” said Mark, who went to Hartland School.

”I was the only one doing the music A-Level there and I’m eternally grateful to my teachers.”

Mark started his musical career by being in school plays and productions with local drama groups before moving to London after finishing his education to start out as an actor.

After playing roles in productions including Fame, Hello Dolly! and Annie, Mark started to make his way as a musical director.

Whilst looking after the music department at Lincoln’s Theatre Royal, he had a call to ask if he’d like to be a part of High School Musical.

”I knew I couldn’t say no to that!” said Mark, who now lives in Lincoln.

”My six-year-old daughter Ella is really into it. It really is a fantastic job, the Apollo holds 3,500 people and we are sold out every night.”

”The kids just love it, they scream all the way through it. It’s painful sometimes how loud it is. It’s lovely to see how much they enjoy it and the adults really get into it too,” he said.

As musical director, Mark plays the piano for the show, conducts the orchestra and teaches all the vocals for the production.

”Everything in the show is live,” said Mark.

”There is not a single backing track or anything recorded used at all. We have a 32-strong cast who are brilliant and it’s just really good fun.”

”I have offered to give talks to school students because when I was growing up there weren’t a lot of actors and musicians in the area.”

”It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you want to do, you can achieve it.”

Mark’s mum Marie Dannatt says she is very pleased that her son has gone on to do so well.

”I feel very very proud of everything he’s achieved,” said Marie, who lives in Shireoaks.

”I’ve seen him in lots of productions before and it always gives you a boost to hear people saying how great he is. It’s a great step forward for him to have got to High School Musical.”

The production is on at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre, London until 31st August.