High School Musical at the Lowry - taken by Billy Gough

Salford residents will be able to see the iconic Disney movie, High School Musical come to life after 20 years in 2026. 

The first UK non-replica production of the show will be hosted at the Lowry, opening from Friday 21 August and will run until Sunday 13 September 2026.

Residents of the show will see the Lyric Theatre at Lowry will be completely transformed into an immersive basketball court.

The theatre will have on stage seating and an extended stage, bringing audiences into the world of East High.

With the book by David Simpatico, and with music adapted, arranged, and produced by Bryan Louiselle, it will be co-directed by Hope Mill founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton.

It will also feature classic songs such as Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo and many more.

Based on the hit Disney Channel Original movie, which inspired a generation, High School Musical had its world premiere production at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp in 2006.

It then went to The Theatre of Stars in Atlanta, Georgia for its first professional staging before Disney Theatrical staged a national tour in 2007.

The musical has enjoyed significant success in regional theatres around the world and had its London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in January 2008.

Ahead of the performance at the Lowry, 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.”

The show will be produced by Hope Mill Theatre with Lowry and will be another collaboration between the two.

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. We can’t wait for the East High Wildcats to come to Salford!”

Tickets will cost from £26 and will be on sale from Friday 18 July – with more information being found here.

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