Lead cast announced for High School Musical at The Lowry

The first UK non-replica production of Disney’s High School Musical will be staged at the Lowry in Salford later this year, marking two decades since the film’s original release.

The story follows 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.

The musical will feature the songs from the film, including “Breaking Free”, “We’re All In This Together”, and “Stick to the Status Quo”.

As one of the biggest franchises to emerge from the Disney Channel in 2006, Stagedoor Manor Summer Camp was the first to stage its own production that same year. The show later embarked on a U.S. tour, and in 2008, a London production was presented at the Hammersmith Apollo.

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, the lead cast for the production includes Tobias Turley as Troy (Mamma Mia!), Leonor Correia as Gabriella, Caitlin Tipping (Titanique) as Sharpay and Luke Bayer as Ryan. Full casting for the run is to be announced.

The creative team for the production will include choreography by Aaron Renfree, set design by Andrew Exeter, sound design by Matt Peploe, video design by George Reeve, lighting design by Rory Beaton, costume design by Sophia Pardon, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, musical direction by Audra Cramer, casting by Pearson Casting, and production management by Ammonite Studios. Chris Harper Productions is responsible for general management.

High School Musical will play from 22 August to 13 September 2026.