Disney's High School Musical celebrated its 20th anniversary by bringing its brand new stage production to the Lowry, and it proved a massive success on its opening night on Thursday, August 26.
To mark its milestone anniversary, the much-loved movie has been transformed into an immersive live performance, with the venue turned into a basketball court-style stage with on-stage seating.
The show features an incredible cast, with the legendary Jason Donovan taking up the mantle of Coach Bolton, alongside original cast member KayCee Stroh, who played hip-hop-loving brainiac Martha Cox in all three movies, returning as drama teacher Ms. Darbus.
A Fresh Yet Faithful Adaptation
The new adaptation follows the familiar story of students at East High navigating love, friendship and self-discovery while juggling lessons, basketball and auditions for the school show - but the performance is notably new.
It's an incredible revitalisation of the noughties classic that manages to feel fresh and contemporary while still staying true to everything that people love about the original.
The audience is immersed in the performance, which is staged as a Wildcats basketball game at the beginning. Cheerleaders come onto the stage and teach a cheer routine, while a jumbotron gets the audience ready for the big show.
Standout Production and Performances
And the musical features all the hit songs from the original film, including Breaking Free, We're All In This Together, Stick to the Status Quo, Get'cha Head in the Game and many more.
The performance was perfectly paced, with impressive choreography, outstanding vocals, great casting and seamless transitions.
One of the standout features of the show was the quality of the production. From a flying moon, big jumbotron screens, built in basketball hoops and engaging props, the audience were fully transported into the world of East High.
UK Premiere in Salford
Making its UK premiere in Salford, Disney's High School Musical is co-directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, and produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions with Lowry.
You can imagine that adapting such a classic film might have been a bit of a daunting task, but if the pair were intimidated at all, it doesn't show. You would be forgiven for forgetting that the production wasn't the original version of the musical.
In the show's programme, the co-directors detail how they received a note from the original book writers that, although the characters might seem exaggerated on the surface, they are very real and recognisable and must be treated in such a way - which is evident through the show's characters, script and production.
A Roaring Success
And above all, it was incredibly fun. From the impeccable vocals to the infectious choreography, it was hard to sit through the show and not sing along.
As someone who grew up loving the films, it was also nice to see people from every generation enjoying the show.
When the last song was over, there was roaring applause from the audience who gave a long standing ovation before joining in with the last song - a High School Musical Megamix.
Overall, the show was flawlessly done and the perfect way to remember and revitalise such a well-loved classic. I'm sure it will be a massive hit for a long time to come.
High School Musical is playing at the Lowry's Lyric Theatre in Salford from August 22, 2026 to September 19, 2026, before it moves to London's Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre later this year.
