Disney's High School Musical

Sat 22 Aug 2026 - Sat 19 Sep 2026

Icon Jason Donovan* will play Coach Bolton and Disney royalty KayCee Stroh (High School Musical Trilogy) stars as Ms Darbus in Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. They join the previously announced Tobias Turley (ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream), Leonor Correia (Six), Caitlin Tipping (Frozen) and Luke Bayer (Titanique) 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 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. HMT are teaming up with Chris Harper Productions who presented The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe last Christmas, this will be a Summer to remember and 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.

Accessible Performances

  • Audio Described by Caroline Burn | Saturday 5 September 2026 at 2.00pm. Touch Tour: 1.00pm. 
  • Audio Described by Caroline Burn | Thursday 10 September 2026 at 7.00pm. Touch Tour: 6.00pm
  • BSL by Emma Jane Mansfield | Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 2.00pm and Saturday 12 September 2026 at 7.00pm.
  • Captioned | Sunday 30th August 2026 at 2.00pm

Take a closer look at this incredible onstage experience!

Our fly-through and FAQs will help you explore the setting, understand what to expect, and see how you'll be immersed in the action like never before.

On Stage Seating FAQs

What is On-Stage Seating?

On-Stage Seating is a unique theatre experience that places audience members directly on the stage during the performance of High School Musical. Instead of sitting in the traditional auditorium, guests are seated alongside the action, becoming part of the energy and excitement of the show.

Where will I be seated?

Audience members in the On-Stage Seating section will be seated in comfortable, padded theatre seats arranged in a basketball court bleacher-style configuration on stage. This layout provides good sightlines while maintaining a close connection to the performers and the story.

How close will I be to the action?

Very close! On-Stage Seating offers an immersive, up-close view of the performers, choreography, and musical numbers. You'll experience the show from a perspective that traditional audience seating simply can't provide.

Will I be part of the performance?

While you won't be required to participate, you'll be seated within the performance environment and feel like you're right in the middle of the action. Audience members should remain seated and follow any instructions provided by theatre staff. Due to technical requirements and performer movement on stage, there may be times during the performance when guests in the On-Stage Seating area cannot leave their seats immediately. In these instances, an usher will assist and guide guests at the next safe opportunity. 

Why choose On-Stage Seating?

On-Stage Seating offers a fresh and intimate way to experience this beloved musical. It's a rare
opportunity to see High School Musical from a new perspective, with unparalleled proximity to the cast, music, and storytelling. 

Is On-Stage Seating suitable for all ages?

Yes. Guests of all ages can enjoy the On-Stage Seating experience, though younger audience
members should be able to remain seated and attentive throughout the performance. Audience members should remain seated and follow any instructions provided by theatre staff. Due to technical requirements and performer movement on stage, there may be times during the performance when guests in the On-Stage Seating area cannot leave their seats immediately. In these instances, an usher will assist and guide guests at the next safe opportunity.

Will my view be different from traditional seating?

Yes. On-Stage Seating provides a unique vantage point that differs from conventional theatre seats. Rather than viewing the production from the audience, you'll experience the show from within the performance space itself, creating a more intimate and memorable connection to the production. 

Who would enjoy On-Stage Seating?

This experience is perfect for theatre enthusiasts, returning audience members looking for a new way to enjoy the show, and anyone who wants to feel closer to the music, characters, and excitement of High School Musical. It offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on a classic fan-favourite musical. 

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