Rehearsal images have been released offering a first look at Jason Donovan and the cast in rehearsals for the upcoming UK non-replica production of Disney's High School Musical. The stage production opens at The Lowry in Salford on 22 August 2026, running through 19 September 2026, before transferring to London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 12 October 2026 to 3 January 2027, with a press night scheduled for 20 October 2026.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic original Disney Channel movie, Australian pop star and stage actor Jason Donovan stars as Coach Bolton during the Salford run, with McFly drummer Harry Judd stepping into the role for the London season. Joining them across both venues is original film cast member KayCee Stroh as Ms. Darbus, alongside Tobias Turley as Troy Bolton, Leonor Correia as Gabriella Montez, Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay Evans, and Luke Bayer as Ryan Evans.
The principal cast 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 ensemble is completed by Alexander Black, Eleanor Bye, Harriet Caplan-Dean, Alison Driver, Conor Luke Drury, Mary Francis, Sonia Gil-Lubeiro, Tamsin January, Joseph Lennox, Lucas Morlotti, Katie Mulligan, André Phipps, Meg Silsby, Kade Stenson, Ethan Vijn, and Eddie Zickerman.
Co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with choreography by Aaron Renfree, the production features a book by David Simpatico with music adapted, arranged, and produced by Bryan Louiselle. The score includes familiar fan favorites such as "Breaking Free," "We’re All In This Together," "Get’cha Head in the Game," and "Stick to the Status Quo."
Produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions in association with The Lowry, this brand-new staging marks the first time a fresh non-replica version of the musical phenomenon has been mounted in the UK, bringing East High's timeless story to a new generation of theatergoers.
