High School Musical

Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions with Lowry are delighted to announce that beloved singer and actor Jason Donovan* will star in Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL as Coach Bolton. He joins the previously announced Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan respectively.

Based on the hit Disney Channel Original Movie- join Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High as they navigate the highs and lows of first love, friendships, and self-discovery — all while juggling classes, basketball games, auditions and the expectations of their peers. This fresh and exciting new production will transform the Lowry’s Lyric Theatre into an immersive East High experience, with extended staging and on-stage seating that puts the audience right in the middle of the game.

Co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with a book by David Simpatico and music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle, this is High School Musical like you’ve never seen it before.

Featuring 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.

*Jason will not be performing in the shows on Saturday 19 September.

Jason said:

“High school musical was such a massive part of my kids early childhood. As a parent and as a musical fan the film was family entertainment at its best. Magical! Loved it. Popular culture has a cycle and I’m delighted to be joining this new reimagined High School Musical theatrical experience 20 years on from when I first discovered the film. Looking forward to seeing you all in Salford.”

Matthew Eames, Co-Head of Theatres (Contemporary & Commissioning) at Lowry said:

“Following A Christmas Carol, we are delighted to be working again with Hope Mill Theatre. We all felt there was a real opportunity to build on the success of that show by working together more closely, identifying musical projects that we feel our collective audiences will be excited to experience on our Lyric stage. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is the first of these. It’s a truly iconic show that launched the careers of some huge stars. We can’t wait for the East High Wildcats to come to Salford!”

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Chris Harper Productions with Lowry with general management by Chris Harper Productions.