High School Musical | The Lowry

Celebrating 20 years since the release of one of Disney's most iconic movies, High School Musical returns to the UK for its first non-replica production; currently running at The Lowry in Salford prior to transferring to London's Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.

With a book by David Simpatico and music which as been adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle, this fresh and exciting production creates an immersive East High experience, placing audiences right in the middle of the action in a way in which High School Musical has never been seen before. One important thing to note here is that the narrative differs slightly to the stage production, but there's still plenty of nostalgia and feel-good factor to delight fans of the movie.

Co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre's Joseph Houston and William Whelton, the production completely immerses you from the moment you enter the auditorium with Andrew Exeter's impressive design transforming the stage into a basketball court. Houston and Whelton do a wonderful job of bringing the audience into the world of East High, maintaining the momentum with infectious enthusiasm and fast-paced energy, giving this new production its own identity. Together, Houston and Whelton have created a production that celebrates the iconic movie and its nostalgia, whilst also creating something that deserves recognition in its own right.

Aaron Renfee's choreography is particularly impressive, providing plenty moments of show stopping large ensemble numbers and ensuring that the large stage is filled with energetic movement to create the bustling atmosphere of East High. A particular highlight moment of choreography is during Get'cha Head in the Game, where basketball becomes an integral part of the routine, with the cast demonstrating impeccable synchronised movement with impressive physical skill.

Exeter's set design is innovative in the way in which lockers are transported around the stage to be utilised in different ways, and whilst the stage feels vast, it never feels empty. As part of making the stage feel like a basketball court, Exeter has placed several large screens around the staging as well as centre court, with George Reeve's video design bringing an essence of 2000s Disney aesthetic with live-projections and visually pleasing animations.

Rory Beaton's lighting design compliments the visual spectacle of the show, shifting the atmosphere between the warm tones of the everyday world of the school and ensuring that the larger musical numbers feel vibrant. Beaton's lighting design ensures that it grabs the audience's attention as the action moves around the space. Sophia Pardon's costumes captures 2000s high-school fashion aesthetic, doing well to establish the various cliques, whilst also giving each character their own distinct personality. Matt Pepole's sound design is also an additional wonderful immersive element, with a tannoy and sound effects that bring additional depth and encourages the theatre space to feel lived in.

Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia lead the cast as Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, and what is refreshing is the way in which they make their character's their own. There's an effortless leading-man quality to Turley's performance as he balances the character's confident basketball-star persona with his more vulnerable side. Turley impresses with a natural charm and strong vocals, with an undeniable chemistry with Correia. Correia does a great job particularly in the more emotionally driven material where she impresses vocally and gives her Gabriella a great mix of warmth, intelligence and determination.

Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer are the most perfect duo as the beloved Sharpay and Ryan Evans, perfectly portraying the siblings' complicated dynamic. Tipping embraces Sharpay to ensure that she is suitably outrageous whilst also balancing her insecurities, whilst Bayer brings flair and an endearing quality to his performance.

Returning to High School Musical after starring in the original movie as Martha Cox, KayCee Stroh perfectly captures the eccentricity and theatricality of Ms Darbus. Char Burnett brings a strong stage presence to give her Taylor McKessie plenty of confidence, whilst Jordan Benjamin's Chad is energetic and likeable. Simeon Beckett gives an understated charm to Zeke Baylor whilst Olivia O'Connor makes every moment on stage count with her choreography. Yna Tresvalles is gently warm and sincere as Kelsi Nielsen, whilst Curtis Patrick provides plenty of energy and moments of comedy as Jack Scott, East High's student announcer.

The ensemble deserves particular recognition for ensuring the emphasis of building the immersive world of East High through engaging and infectious enthusiasm. The ensemble work tirelessly throughout to maintain the momentum, transporting props seamlessly and ensuring that their collective presence creates the sense of a school community.

Ultimately, this non-replica production of High School Musical celebrates 2000s Disney nostalgia by bringing to the stage a fresh, energetic immersive production that is highly entertaining and well worth catching!

High School Musical plays at The Lowry until 19th September before heading to London's Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 12th October 2026 until 03rd January 2027 - tickets and more information for both venues can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Matt Crockett