Hope Mill Theatre and Lowry have announced a brand-new production of High School Musical, opening at the Lowry in Salford on 21 August 2026.
This marks the first UK non-replica staging of the beloved Disney musical, celebrating 20 years since the original film’s release.
High School Musical features a book by David Simpatico, with music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle. The production will be co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton.
Further casting and creative team announcements are expected in the coming months.
The Lyric Theatre at Lowry will be transformed into an immersive basketball court, complete with on-stage seating and an extended stage, bringing audiences right into the heart of East High.
Audiences can expect to hear iconic songs including Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, and Stick to the Status Quo.
Originally premiering at Stagedoor Manor in 2006, High School Musical has since enjoyed global success, including a London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2008.
Producers and co-directors Joseph Houston and William Whelton said:
“High School Musical is a show that is loved and adored across generations. From its first explosion into the world in the 2006 movie, there is no denying the impact that this phenomenon has had on people across the globe, including ourselves. It was our ambition to create a brand-new stage production of High School Musical and bring together those generations old and new to experience the live spectacle, in a completely fresh and unique way. Having recently created A Christmas Carol and Nine at Lowry, this is the perfect space to be bringing this incredible show back to the stage and to Manchester.”
Matthew Eames, Co-Head of Theatres (Contemporary & Commissioning) at Lowry, added:
“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 in collaboration with Lowry.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
