FIRST LOOK: Jason Donovan and cast in rehearsals for High School Musical

14-08-26

The Wildcats are getting their heads back in the game as first-look rehearsal images have been released from the new UK production of Disney’s High School Musical. Jason Donovan is pictured rehearsing alongside the company ahead of the show opening at Lowry in Salford on 22 August 2026, where it runs until 19 September.

The production, the first UK non-replica staging of the Disney musical, will then transfer to London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 12 October 2026 to 3 January 2027, with a press night on 20 October. Donovan will play Coach Bolton for the Salford season, before McFly star Harry Judd takes over the role when the production arrives in London.

Appearing at both venues are Tobias Turley as Troy Bolton and Leonor Correia as Gabriella Montez, with Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay Evans and Luke Bayer as her brother Ryan. Disney fans will also recognise KayCee Stroh, who played Martha Cox in all three original High School Musical films. This time, she returns to East High in a different role, playing drama teacher Ms Darbus. The principal company also includes 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 and Curtis Patrick as Jack Scott. The new production arrives as High School Musical celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel movie which launched the franchise in 2006.

Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton co-direct, with choreography by Aaron Renfree. The musical has a book by David Simpatico, with music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle.

Audiences can expect songs made famous by the original movie including “Breaking Free”, “We’re All In This Together”, “Get’cha Head in the Game” and “Stick to the Status Quo”.

The stage musical received its world premiere at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp in 2006, followed by its first professional production in Atlanta and a US national tour. It made its London debut at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2008.

The new staging is produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions in association with Lowry.

Disney’s High School Musical runs at Lowry, Salford from 22 August to 19 September 2026. It then transfers to Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 12 October 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Visit the official site HERE