First Non-Replica Production of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL Coming to UK Next Summer
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“This could be the start of something new.” The first UK non-replica production of High School Musical is coming to The Lyric Theatre at Lowry next summer. The theatre will be transformed into a basketball court with seating on stage and an extended stage. The production will run Aug. 21, 2026 until Sept. 13, 2026.
High School Musical is based on the cult classic Disney Channel film of the same name. 20 years after the iconic movie, the show will come back to the UK co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton. It features a book by David Simpatico with music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle. This production is produce by Hope Mill Theatre with Lowry.
Through immersive staging, audiences will be transported to East High, where star athlete Troy Bolton falls for the nerdy Gabriella Montez at a holiday party. When they get back to school, they audition for the upcoming school musical, while the jealous starlette Sharpay Evans tries to squash their ambitions. The pair tries to balance this new world along with Troy’s dedication to the basketball team and Gabriella’s to the academic decathlon. Featuring iconic songs like Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo, audiences will get to relive the best of their high school days.
Further creatives and casting will be announced at a later date.
High School Musical had its world premiere production at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp in 2006. It then went to The Theatre of Stars in Atlanta, Georgia for its first professional staging before Disney Theatrical staged a national tour in 2007. The musical has enjoyed success in regional theatres around the world and had its London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in January 2008.
High School Musical runs Aug. 21 to Sept. 13, 2026 at The Lyric Theatre at Lowry in Salford. Tickets go on sale to the general public on July 18. For tickets and more information, visit here.
