Disney’s High School Musical is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a major new stage production, and McFly’s Harry Judd is joining the cast as Coach Bolton. He will appear in the final two performances at Lowry in Salford before the production transfers to London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
Here are five things to know.
1. Harry Judd will play Coach Bolton in Salford
Harry Judd will take over the role of Coach Bolton for the final two performances of High School Musical at Lowry in Salford on Saturday 19 September 2026.
He replaces Jason Donovan for these final Salford shows.
The performances take place at 2pm and 7pm, giving McFly fans a chance to see Judd swapping the drum kit for East High’s basketball court.
2. High School Musical then transfers to London
Following the Salford run, the production moves to Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
The London season runs from 12 October 2026 until 3 January 2027, covering October half term, Christmas and New Year.
Harry Judd will play Coach Bolton throughout the London run.
Find out more and book tickets
3. A star from the original High School Musical films is in the cast
There is also a direct connection to the original Disney films.
KayCee Stroh, who played Martha Cox in the High School Musical films, stars as Ms Darbus in this new stage production.
She is joined by Tobias Turley as Troy Bolton, Leonor Correia as Gabriella Montez, Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay Evans and Luke Bayer as Ryan Evans.
The cast also includes Char Burnett as Taylor McKessie, Jordan Benjamin as Chad Danforth, Simeon Beckett as Zeke Baylor, Olivia O’Connor as Martha Cox and Yna Tresvalles as Kelsi Nielson.
4. The classic High School Musical songs are back
The production includes many of the songs that made High School Musical such a huge success.
Audiences can expect favourites including Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game and Stick to the Status Quo.
The musical is co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with choreography by Aaron Renfree.
5. High School Musical is celebrating its 20th anniversary
The new production arrives 20 years after the original Disney Channel film first introduced audiences to Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the students of East High.
The stage version has its roots in 2006, when High School Musical received its world premiere stage production at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp.
It later toured professionally in the United States and made its London debut at the Hammersmith Apollo in January 2008.
Two decades later, the songs and story are returning to the stage for a new generation of High School Musical fans.
High School Musical at Lowry, Salford
Lowry
Pier 8, The Quays
Salford
M50 3AZ
Dates: 22 August to 19 September 2026
Harry Judd performances: Saturday 19 September at 2pm and 7pm
Tickets: from £26
Book tickets and find out more
High School Musical at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
3 Fulton Road
Wembley Park
London
HA9 0SP
Dates: 12 October 2026 to 3 January 2027
Harry Judd stars as Coach Bolton.
Find out more and book High School Musical
Instagram: @highschoolmusicalonstage
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