The full casting has been officially unveiled for the highly anticipated 20th-anniversary revival of Disney’s "High School Musical." Produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions in association with the Lowry, this brand-new staging marks the first independent, non-replica production of the smash-hit musical to be mounted in the United Kingdom.
The production is scheduled to launch at the Lowry in Salford, running from August 22 through September 19, 2026. Following its initial regional run, the musical will transfer to London for a festive residency at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from October 12, 2026, through January 3, 2027, with a dedicated press night scheduled for October 20.
Australian stage legend Jason Donovan will lead the company as Coach Bolton during the Salford engagement, with Pop Star and musician Harry Judd scheduled to take over the role for the subsequent London run. Starring across both venues is original Disney Channel icon KayCee Stroh, who famously appeared in the original films and steps into the role of the eccentric drama teacher Ms. Darbus.
The resident teenage lineup features Tobias Turley as Troy Bolton, Leonor Correia as Gabriella Montez, Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay Evans, and Luke Bayer as Ryan Evans. The principal ensemble is completed 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, and Curtis Patrick as Jack Scott.
Co-directed by Hope Mill founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, the vibrant production features a book by David Simpatico and high-energy choreography by Aaron Renfree. The musical arrangements, handled by Bryan Louiselle, bring the beloved 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie soundtrack to the stage, featuring generation-defining pop anthems such as “Breaking Free,” “Get’cha Head in the Game,” “Stick to the Status Quo,” and “We’re All In This Together.” Tickets for both the Salford and London seasonal runs are officially on sale now through the production's digital box office channels.
