HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL announces London transfer and initial casting

McFly's Harry Judd has been cast as Coach Bolton, taking over for Jason Donovan, who will play him at Lowry. Judd, who won BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2011, is best known as a member of the hugely popular band McFly, who recently completed a major UK arena tour alongside long-time rivals Busted. He will join current cast members Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping, Luke Bayer and recently announced Disney star KayCee Stroh as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and Ms Darbus respectively.

On joining the production, Judd said, "I can’t wait to ‘Get My Head in the Game’ and bring this story to life on stage—sharing all the energy, heart and nostalgia of High School Musical with fans old and new.”

Based on the 2006 Disney Channel original movie that blew up into a pop culture sensation and spawned two sequels and a spin-off, High School Musical is set in the fictional East High School, where basketball hero Troy Bolton and brainy Gabriella Montez fall in love, causing their diametrically opposed social circles to come into conflict. When Troy and Gabriella are considered for the school's upcoming musical, the ambitious Evans twins set out to take them down.

The stage adaptation, which has enjoyed significant success in regional theatres around the world and had its London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in 2008, has a a book by David Simpatico with music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle and is co-directed by Hope Mill founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton. It features beloved songs from the film such as Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo and many more.

High School Musical will open at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on 12 October 2026 and run until 3 January 2027, with a press night on 20 October 2026.

High School Musical Tickets