High School Musical Press Launch at The Lowry
- Jul 7
- 10 min read
🍿 Getting into the High School Musical Spirit
On Monday afternoon, Lawrence and I headed over to The Lowry for the exclusive press launch of Disney's High School Musical. I'd been looking forward to this event ever since the invitation arrived, especially after hearing that we'd be getting an exclusive first look at the UK premiere of the first-ever non-replica production. As a long-time fan of the films, I couldn't wait to see what Hope Mill Theatre had planned.
We arrived at The Lowry at around 3.45pm, giving us plenty of time before the main presentation, which was due to begin at 4.30pm. Walking into the Circle Bar, we were greeted by red and white balloons while the soundtrack from the original High School Musical film played in the background. It immediately got everyone in the High School Musical mood
While everyone gathered, refreshments were available for guests. There was a selection of teas, coffee and water, alongside bright red slushies that felt perfectly on theme for High School Musical. Naturally, I couldn't resist trying one! Lawrence opted for two cups of tea while we waited—an English Breakfast followed by a Ginger & Lemon tea.
There was also a popcorn stand and a freshly made candyfloss station. Lawrence and I both picked up a bag of popcorn, while I couldn't leave without treating myself to some candyfloss as well. It was freshly spun and really tasty, and all the little themed touches made the afternoon feel much more like an experience than a typical press launch.
At around 4.30pm, an announcement invited everyone through to The Lowry's Compass Room, where the main event was about to begin.
👀 Exploring the Compass Room
Walking through the doors genuinely felt like stepping into East High.
Large round tables dressed in crisp white tablecloths filled the room, each styled in the show's iconic red and white colour scheme. Lawrence and I made a beeline for one of the tables right at the front so I'd have the best possible view for filming the presentations and interviews for my vlog.
Each table had been carefully dressed in the show's iconic red and white colour scheme. Every place setting included an East High Year Book notebook, a mini basketball keyring, an East High drinks bottle, red napkins and glassware. Red and white balloon centrepieces added height and colour to the tables, while buckets filled with bottled soft drinks and jugs of iced water sat in the centre, ready for guests throughout the afternoon. It immediately created a warm, welcoming atmosphere and showed just how much thought had gone into every detail.
Before taking our seats properly, Lawrence and I wandered around exploring everything that had been set up. One of my favourite displays was the row of East High Wildcats lockers. Some of the locker doors could actually be opened, revealing basketballs, costumes, school books, photographs and personal belongings inspired by different characters from the show. It was such a clever idea and really helped bring the world of East High to life.
Another standout display was Sharpay Evans' dressing table. Complete with a glamorous Hollywood-style mirror surrounded by glowing bulbs, pink feather boas, jewellery and beauty accessories, it perfectly captured Sharpay's larger-than-life personality. Unsurprisingly, it became one of the most popular photo opportunities of the afternoon, and of course Lawrence and I couldn't resist sitting at the dressing table for a photo ourselves.
There was even a basketball arcade game where guests could test their shooting skills and channel their inner Troy Bolton. Lawrence and I both had a go and probably spent longer there than we intended! It was such a fun interactive addition and kept everyone entertained while people chatted, took photographs and explored the room.
What impressed me most was how immersive the whole experience felt. Rather than simply decorating a function room, the team had created an environment that celebrated everything people love about High School Musical. Every prop, every display and every little detail felt carefully considered, building excitement for the presentation before a single member of the cast or creative team had even taken to the stage.
Eventually, it was time to take our seats. I helped myself to a bottle of rose lemonade from the table while Lawrence chose a bottle of dandelion and burdock. Once everyone was settled, Matthew Eames, Director of Theatre & Performance at The Lowry, welcomed guests before introducing Michelle Eagleton, who would host the afternoon's presentation.
The Presentation Begins
After Matthew Eames welcomed everyone and introduced host Michelle Eagleton, the afternoon got underway with a short video montage celebrating the original High School Musical films. It was a lovely way to start the event and instantly brought back memories of watching the movies. Although I certainly didn't grow up with them, I remember watching all three films when they were released and completely understanding why they became such a huge phenomenon. Even twenty years later, they still have that same feel-good energy.
Michelle then welcomed Joseph Houston and William Whelton, founders of Hope Mill Theatre and co-directors of the production, to the stage.
It was clear from the way they spoke about the production just how much the project means to them. They explained that this isn't a recreation of previous productions but the first-ever UK non-replica production, giving them the opportunity to create something completely new while remaining faithful to the heart of the much-loved Disney story.
One quote that really stood out to me came from Joseph Houston, who said:
"The world right now needs High School Musical. It's a show that is so much love and joy. It's about being your true authentic self and not sticking to the status quo."
It really summed up why the story continues to resonate with audiences all these years later.
William Whelton also spoke about how the films have found a whole new audience through Disney+, meaning the production isn't just for those who remember watching the original films when they first came out, but also for younger fans discovering East High for the very first time.
A First Look at the Production
One of the most exciting parts of the afternoon was getting an exclusive first look at the production's set and costume designs.
Concept artwork was projected onto the screen, giving us an early glimpse of what audiences can expect when the show opens at The Lowry.
The set immediately caught my attention. At its heart is a full-size basketball court complete with the Wildcats branding, surrounded by towering lockers, huge LED screens and digital scoreboards. Even from the concept artwork, it looked incredibly ambitious.
What impressed me most, though, was hearing just how immersive the production is going to be.
Around 100 audience members will actually be seated on specially created courtside seats built directly onto the stage, while the orchestra pit is being transformed into a runway extending out into the auditorium. It sounds like audiences really will become part of the action rather than simply watching it from their seats.
The costume artwork was equally exciting.
Rather than modernising the story, the creative team have fully embraced the early 2000s style that made the original films so recognisable. Looking at the designs, you could immediately see familiar nods to the characters everyone knows and loves, while still giving this production its own identity. They even revealed a bespoke Wildcats logo created especially for this production.
Seeing both the set and costume artwork together really helped bring the directors' vision to life.
Hearing From the Cast
Next, it was time to meet two of East High's most iconic students.
Tobias Turley, who will play Troy Bolton, and Leonor Correia, who takes on the role of Gabriella Montez, were welcomed onto the stage to perform Start of Something New.
It was a brilliant way to introduce the pair. Their vocals sounded fantastic together and they already seemed completely at ease performing alongside one another. Judging by the applause around the room, everyone else was equally impressed.
After their performance, Tobias and Leonor joined Michelle, Joseph and William for a chat about landing the roles.
Leonor described High School Musical as simply "iconic," explaining that the films have been part of her life for as long as she can remember and that being cast as Gabriella still felt surreal.
Tobias spoke about his own connection to the films and even revealed that he posted a basketball-themed audition video on social media before landing the role of Troy. It was a fun story and showed just how much enthusiasm he has for the character.
Once the interview had finished, Tobias and Leonor headed backstage to prepare for another performance later on.
With them off stage, the focus returned to Joseph and William, who spoke about some of the other casting choices for the production, including Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay Evans and Luke Bayer as Ryan Evans. They also discussed the exciting news that KayCee Stroh, who famously played Martha Cox in the original High School Musical films, will be returning to the franchise as Ms Darbus.
Although KayCee wasn't able to attend the press launch in person, she appeared via a specially recorded video message that was played to everyone in the room. It was a lovely surprise and a wonderful way to connect this new production with the films that so many fans know and love.
The afternoon wasn't over yet, though, as there was still another very special guest waiting in the wings...
Jason Donovan Takes to the Stage
The next guest to join Michelle Eagleton on stage was Jason Donovan, who will be playing Coach Bolton.
As someone who's enjoyed watching Jason in numerous stage productions over the years, it was lovely to hear him talk about why he wanted to be part of High School Musical. He explained that his own children grew up watching the films, making the opportunity to join the cast particularly meaningful.
One thing that really stood out during the interview was how thoughtfully he spoke about Coach Bolton. Rather than seeing him simply as the strict basketball coach, Jason explained that he wanted to explore the relationship between Coach Bolton and Troy, showing a father who genuinely wants the best for his son, even if they don't always see eye to eye.
Listening to him speak, it was clear he's approaching the role with real warmth, and I think audiences are going to enjoy seeing his take on the character.
A Perfect Finale
To bring the presentation to a close, Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia returned to the stage for one final performance.
This time they sang Breaking Free, one of the most iconic songs from the entire High School Musical franchise.
It was a brilliant way to end the afternoon. Their voices blended beautifully, and although we'd only heard two songs, they left me excited to see them perform the full score when the production opens. Judging by the reaction in the room, I don't think I was the only one who wanted to hear more.
With Michelle Eagleton thanking everyone for coming, the formal presentation came to an end.
Time for Food... and a Chat
Afterwards, guests were invited to stay for food and drinks while chatting with one another about everything we'd seen.
The catering continued the relaxed, informal atmosphere, with trays of mini burgers, hot dogs, nachos and French fries being served around the room.
I'll happily admit I'm quite a fussy eater, especially when it comes to sauces! The hot dogs were served with ketchup and mustard, so I spent a few minutes carefully scraping it off before I could eat it. Once I'd done that, though, it was very nice.
Lawrence, on the other hand, had no such problems!
He thoroughly enjoyed the food and managed to work his way through the nachos, a hot dog and no fewer than three mini burgers, so I think it's fair to say he definitely left happy.
It was also nice having the opportunity to chat with some of the other guests after the presentation. Everyone seemed genuinely excited by what they'd seen, particularly the ambitious set design and the immersive staging, and it was interesting hearing everyone's thoughts before we all headed home.
Heading Home
As the event drew to a close, Lawrence and I made our way back to the tram stop and began the journey home, arriving back at around 7.30pm.
The journey gave us plenty of time to chat about everything we'd seen during the afternoon. We both agreed that so much care had gone into every aspect of the event, from the themed decorations and interactive displays to the presentations themselves. It was clear just how much love there still is for High School Musical twenty years on, and the launch felt like a fitting celebration of that.
I also came away feeling genuinely excited about the production itself. The concept artwork, immersive staging and passion shown by the creative team suggest that this isn't simply trying to recreate the Disney films on stage. Instead, they're putting their own stamp on the story while keeping everything that has made High School Musical such a beloved favourite.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished production when it opens at The Lowry this August, and it'll be fascinating to see how everything we saw during the press launch translates to the stage.
🏀 Planning Your Visit to East High
Following its world premiere at The Lowry, Disney's High School Musical will transfer to London for a festive run at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
The Lowry, Salford
📅 22 August – 13 September 2026
Tickets are available from the official The Lowry ticket page.
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London
📅 12 October 2026 – 3 January 2027
Following its Salford run, the production will transfer to London for a limited season at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
Tickets are available from the official London ticket page.
For more information about the production, cast and creative team, visit the official High School Musical website.
🎥 Watch the Vlog
If you'd like to see even more from the afternoon, I've filmed a full vlog from the High School Musical Press Launch at The Lowry.
Join Lawrence and me as we explore the East High-themed décor, take a closer look at the interactive displays, hear from the cast and creative team, see the exclusive set and costume reveals and experience all the highlights from this exciting launch event.
🎶 Start of Something New
One of the highlights of the afternoon was hearing Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia perform Start of Something New.
It was our first chance to hear the pair sing together as Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, and judging by the reaction in the room, audiences are in for something very special when the production opens.
🎵 Breaking Free
The presentation concluded with a performance of one of the musical's most iconic songs, Breaking Free.
It was the perfect way to end the afternoon and left everyone excited to see the full production this August.
Read My Full Feature
If you're looking for a closer look at everything revealed during the press launch, including the exclusive set reveal, costume concepts, interviews with the cast and creative team, and my thoughts on what audiences can expect from the production, you can also read my full feature over on All About Theatre.
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