Pop Icon Joins Disney’s High School Musical Cast in Salford
Jason Donovan will play Coach Bolton in a new staging of Disney’s High School Musical at The Lowry in Salford. The production is billed as the UK’s first non-replica version of the show.
The casting announcement — Pop Icon Joins Disney’s High School Musical Cast in Salford — delivered a major name to the project. Tickets are on sale now for the Lyric Theatre run.
Cast and creative team
Donovan joins Tobias Turley as Troy Bolton. Leonor Correia plays Gabriella. Caitlin Tipping will appear as Sharpay and Luke Bayer as Ryan.
The production is produced by Hope Mill Theatre with Chris Harper Productions and The Lowry. David Simpatico wrote the book. Bryan Louiselle adapted, arranged and produced the score.
Founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton co-direct the staging. The company describes the show as a reimagined theatrical experience.
About Jason Donovan
Donovan rose to fame as Scott Robinson on Neighbours in the late 1980s. His album Ten Good Reasons topped UK sales in 1989.
He has a long West End and touring resume. Credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Rocky Horror Show.
Recent activities include Doin’ Fine tours across the UK and Ireland and a 2026 return with Doin’ Fine Encore. He also toured in the 2024 Rocky Horror production.
Production details
The run opens on 22 August 2026 and closes on 19 September 2026. The Lyric Theatre will be transformed into an immersive basketball court.
Audience seating will include on-stage positions and an extended performance area. The staging aims to bring East High’s world directly to viewers.
Expect classic numbers such as Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, and Stick to the Status Quo.
Origins and previous stagings
High School Musical began as a Disney Channel film and later moved into theatre. Its first workshop ran at Stagedoor Manor in 2006.
The show saw early professional runs in Atlanta and a Disney Theatrical national tour in 2007. London’s Hammersmith Apollo hosted the West End premiere in January 2008.
Filmogaz.com will follow casting updates and on-sale announcements. The production promises a family-friendly, high-energy celebration of the film’s twentieth anniversary.
