The upcoming UK non-replica production of High School Musical has announced Jason Donovan as Coach Bolton, joining a high-profile cast at the Lowry in Salford. The production marks the 20th anniversary of the original Disney film and promises an immersive basketball court setting.

Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions have confirmed Jason Donovan will play Coach Bolton in their staging of High School Musical at the Lowry’s Lyric Theatre. The production runs from 21 August to 19 September 2026, featuring a reconfigured theatre space with on-stage seating and an extended playing area to evoke a basketball court.

The cast announced so far includes Tobias Turley as Troy, Leonor Correia as Gabriella, Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay, and Luke Bayer as Ryan. Full casting details are yet to be revealed.

The show features a book by David Simpatico and music adapted, arranged, and produced by Bryan Louiselle. Direction is by Hope Mill co-founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton.

Choreography is by Aaron Renfree, with Andrew Exeter handling set design and Matt Peploe on sound. George Reeve contributes video design, Rory Beaton is responsible for lighting, and Sophia Pardon designs costumes.

Musical supervision is by Katy Richardson, and Audra Cramer directs musical performance. Casting has been managed by Pearson Casting, while Ammonite Studios oversees production management. General management is by Chris Harper Productions.

Highlighting songs from the original film score, the production will include numbers such as “Breaking Free,” “We’re All In This Together,” “Get’cha Head in the Game,” and “Stick to the Status Quo.”

First performed in 2006 at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp, High School Musical received its professional debut in Atlanta and toured the US with Disney Theatrical Group in 2007. It made its London debut at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2008 and has since seen various regional productions worldwide.