High School Musical hits the London stage this summer

Already a global phenomenon as a smash-hit TV movie, a quadruple-platinum soundtrack, a best-selling book and a chart-topping DVD, Disney’s High School Music is now set to be a summer stage blockbuster when booking opens today for a spectacular London production.

High School Musical, produced by Stage Entertainment in co-operation with Disney Theatrical Productions, begins a 31-date UK tour today (Monday 28 January) with one of the biggest advances in British theatre touring history.

Due to the huge public demand for the tour, a second UK production will be mounted for a limited summer season at London’s Hammersmith Apollo Theatre commencing 30th June, 2008. With an entirely new cast and a production designed specifically for the venue, High School Musical is set to be one of the city’s hottest tickets for families this summer.

This new stage adaptation of the smash-hit musical Disney Channel Original Movie features a book by David Simpatico (adapted from the original movie script by Peter Barsocchini), and a score including all songs from the original chart-topping soundtrack, including the UK hit singles Breaking Free and We’re All In This Together, plus two new numbers.

The production will be directed by Jeff Calhoun, whose credits include the award-winning Broadway revivals of Grease and Big River. The creative team will also include the original US production’s choreographer Lisa Stevens and other members of the American production team.

High School Musical is a contemporary musical comedy about Troy, a popular high school basketball star, and Gabriella, a shy, academically gifted newcomer, who discover they share a secret passion for singing. When they sign up to audition together for the lead roles in the school musical it threatens East High's rigid social order and sends their peers into uproar.

In an attempt to maintain the status quo, the ‘jocks’ and ‘brainiacs’, and even the drama club regulars, are soon hatching convoluted plans to separate the pair and keep them offstage. Defying expectations and taking a chance on their dreams, and each other, the couple inspires the other students to go public with some surprising hidden talents of their own.

Steve Fickinger, Disney Theatrical Group’s Vice President of Theatrical Licensing said:

“I’m thrilled that the British public has responded so enthusiastically to the opportunity to spend more time with these characters; we’ve had such a huge reaction to the UK tour. I’m certain this great opportunity to have a run in London will give families the perfect chance come together to enjoy this stage production.”

For booking details, venue information, additional dates and lots of fun facts go to HSMonstage.co.uk.

Tickets can be booked online at Hammersmithapollo.net.

30th June – 9th August 2008

Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm
Matinees Thursday and Saturday at 3pm

Tickets from £10 - £45 and an access rate of £10 across all performances

Show running time 2 hours 10 minutes with a 20 minute interval