Hope Mill and The Lowry to stage new production of High School Musical

Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre and The Lowry are joining forces again to present the first UK non-replica production of Disney’s High School Musical next summer.

Co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre’s founders William Whelton and Joseph Houston, the production will debut at The Lowry in Salford from 21 August until 13 September 2026. In preparation for the arrival of the stage version of the hit 2006 US TV musical, the Lyric Theatre at The Lowry will be transformed into an immersive basketball court with on stage seating and an extended stage.

Announcing the production Houston and 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 The Lowry, this is the perfect space to be bringing this incredible show back to the stage and to Manchester.”

The co-head of theatres (contemporary and commissioning) at The Lowry, Matthew Eames, 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!”

High School Musical has a book by David Simpatico with music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle.

Based on the hit Disney Channel original movie, High School Musical had its world premiere production at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp in 2006. The musical’s first professional staging was at The Theatre of Stars in Atlanta, Georgia before Disney Theatrical presented a national touring production in the US in 2007. The musical had its London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in January 2008.

 Angela Thomas