The Lowry, Manchester 22nd August – 19th September 2026
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre 12th October 2026 – 3rd January 2027
First there was the television film, then came a sequel followed by another and now, celebrating 20 years since the initial film, comes High School Musical live on stage. Based on the hit Disney Channel original movie, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL follows Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High as they navigate first love, friendships and self-discovery, all while juggling classes, basketball games, auditions and the expectations of their peers. Featuring all the beloved songs from the original film, this fresh new production is High School Musical like you’ve never seen it before. This is an immersive production that will feature an actual basketball game and, beware, an infamous kisscam feature.
Directors William Whelton and Joseph Houston promise a show like we’ve never seen before with a state of the art light and video concept which means that wherever audience members look there will be something original and interesting to see.
Starring as Coach Bolton at the Lowry in Manchester is Jason Donovan (although not performing on September 19th) whilst Harry Judd from McFly takes over the role for the London run at the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley. Directors Whelton and Houston were keen to have an original cast member included in this new production and have cast KayCee Stroh, who played Martha Cox in the original trilogy of films, as Ms Darbus who is East High’s homeroom and drama teacher and takes drama way too seriously. She is in constant conflict with Coach Bolton over what is more important for their students – drama or sport. Stroh will play this role for the entire run of the show at both venues.
They join the previously announced Tobias Turley (ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream), Leonor Correia (Six), Caitlin Tipping (Frozen) and Luke Bayer (Titanique) as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan respectively.
The show features all the hit songs from the original film, including Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Stick to the Status Quo, Get’cha Head in the Game and many more.
The supporting ensemble cast are played by Char Burnett as Taylor McKessie, Jordan Benjamin as Chad Danforth, Simeon Beckett as Zeke Baylor, Olivia O’Connor as Martha Cox, Yna Tresvalles as Kelsi Nielson, Curtis Patrick as Jack Scott and Alexander Black, Eleanor Bye, Harriet Caplan Dean, Alison Driver, Connor Luke Drury, Mary Francis, Sania Gil-Lubeiro, Tamsin January, Joseph Lennox, Lucas Marlotti, Katie Mulligan, Andre Phipps, Meg Silsby, Kade Stenson, Ethan Vijn and Eddie Zickerman.
This show promises to be the must see show of the autumn and winter for those wanting to relive their youth and also those wanting to take their children along so that they can discover for themselves what got their parents so hot and bothered a mere twenty years ago. This will be a night out to remember!