The world right now needs High School Musical, declared co-director Joseph Houston at a sneak preview of the new UK production of the Disney hit, which opens at the Lowry theatre in Salford on 22 August 2026. The first non-replica UK staging of the beloved musical promises an immersive experience set on a basketball court inside the Lyric Theatre, with 100 court-side seats and cast members flooding into the audience.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Pop icon Jason Donovan takes the role of Coach Bolton for the Lowry premiere run, with McFly star Harry Judd stepping in for the subsequent London transfer. Disney icon KayCee Stroh plays Ms Darbus, while Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia star as Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez. Caitlin Tipping portrays drama queen Sharpay Evans and Luke Bayer her twin Ryan. The production is directed by Hope Mill Theatre's Joseph Houston and William Whelton, in association with Chris Harper Productions and the Lowry.
Donovan, who received a heart-throb's welcome at the preview event, said he had to take the role for his children: “My children grew up on High School Musical – we watched it repeatedly on TV. That plays a big part in life, particularly as a dad. I love a great show, great songs, and it's very positive.” He noted that Coach Bolton “throws a spanner in the works” and becomes the “iron bolt other characters can bounce off”.
Immersive Staging and Audience Experience
Visuals of the staging reveal a basketball set with 100 court-side seats, allowing audience members to be “totally immersed in the action”. The cast will also flood out into the audience, with promises of “lots of exciting surprises”. Co-director William Whelton said: “Immersive is a broad term but our idea from day dot was we want people to walk into the Lowry and be totally blown away by what we’ve created for them.”
The show features classic songs from the film, including Breaking Free, We're All in This Together, Get'cha Head in the Game and Stick to the Status Quo. At the preview, Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia performed duets of Something New and Breaking Free, showcasing their chemistry.
Global Phenomenon and Nostalgia Factor
High School Musical became a global phenomenon when it first aired in 2006, making stars of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. It spawned hit singles and two successful sequels. Joseph Houston said: “The world right now needs High School Musical – it’s about being your true authentic self. To be here now knowing we can bring joy to the world – this is what we do it for.”
Jason Donovan added: “I think nostalgia is a big factor in popular culture. Having kids and going through school myself, [I know] that pressure to be a sportsperson or not. I was never great, my dad’s an actor and he always encouraged me to do what I want in life.”
Run Dates and Tickets
Disney’s High School Musical will open at the Lowry, Salford on 22 August 2026, running until 19 September 2026. It will then transfer to London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 12 October 2026 to 3 January 2027. Tickets are available now.
