McFly’s Harry Judd will star in the London transfer of Disney’s High School Musical which opens at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in October.
Judd will star as Coach Bolton in the London production, taking over from Jason Donovan who is performing in the role at the Lowry, Salford, where the show is running for a summer season from 22nd August - 19th September.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic film, which inspired a generation, High School Musical had its London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in January 2008.
Produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions, the show will feature classic songs such as Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo and many more.
“As a dad, it’s been amazing to revisit this story through my children’s eyes and see just how timeless it really is - the music, the energy, the message about believing in yourself - it all still resonates so strongly across generations.”
Harry Judd
Major music success: McFly star Harry Judd
Harry Judd is most widely known for being a member of the hugely successful band McFly. Spanning a 23-year career, McFly have had seven top 10 albums with 10-million albums sold worldwide and were the first band since The Beatles to be the youngest to achieve a number 1 debut album. In 2025, they completed a major UK arena tour alongside long-time rivals Busted.
In 2011 Judd won BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. He went on to star in dance show Rip It Up (Garrick Theatre) and appeared in The Christmasaurus Live for his band-member Tom Fletcher.
After a successful run on The One Show presenting with Alex Jones, Judd is currently back in the presenting seat, co-hosting Magic Breakfast on Fridays with Harriet Scott. He recently reported live into BBC Sport whilst running the London Marathon and released hit mental health / fitness book Get Fit, Get Happy.
In 2023 Judd and his mum Emma raced from Africa to the Arctic in BBC’s BAFTA-winning show Celebrity Race Across the World. Harry is also a patron of The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injuries.
“Revisiting the story through my children’s eyes”
On joining the production he said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining this incredible new production of High School Musical. It’s such an iconic film that meant so much to me growing up and now getting to share that same excitement with my own family makes this even more special.
“As a dad, it’s been amazing to revisit this story through my children’s eyes and see just how timeless it really is - the music, the energy, the message about believing in yourself - it all still resonates so strongly across generations.
“Stepping into the role of Coach Bolton and leading such a first-class cast in London at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is something I’m incredibly proud of. 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.”
Continuing with the show will be 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.
Further casting will be revealed in due course.
High School Musical runs at the Lowry in Salford between 22nd August - 19th September and then transfers to the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 12th October until 3rd January 2027.
Tickets go on general sale on 22nd May with priority bookings on sale on 20th May. Group bookings are available although rates haven’t yet been released.
For more information and to sign up for priority booking, go to www.HighSchoolMusicalOnStage.com
