Jason Donovan Stars in High School Musical Live

Jason Donovan, a 57-year-old Australian actor, will star as Coach Bolton in the High School Musical stage production in Salford later this year. The show, based on the popular 2000s Disney film franchise, is set to run at the Lyric Theatre at Lowry. This production commemorates the 20th anniversary of the original 2006 film, which famously starred Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens.

The immersive theatre experience will transform the venue into a basketball court, replicating East High School. Donovan expressed his excitement, noting the film's significance in his children's childhood and praising it as "family entertainment at its best." He joins a cast that includes Tobias Turley as Troy, Gabriella as Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay, and Luke Bayer as Ryan.

The musical, featuring popular songs like 'Breaking Free' and 'We're All In This Together,' will open on August 22 and run until September 19. The production is written by David Simpatico, with music by Bryan Louiselle, and co-directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton. Donovan will be part of the four-week run, performing until September 18.