Harry Judd joins High School Musical stage production as Coach Bolton

Harry Judd, the 40‑year‑old drummer of British pop‑rock band McFly, will appear on stage for the first time as Coach Bolton in a new theatrical adaptation of Disney’s High School Musical. The production marks the 20th anniversary of the 2006 film and sees Judd swapping his drumsticks for a basketball, a role he describes as both “scary” and a chance to overcome imposter syndrome.

Judd said the part was a “pretty easy yes” and highlighted the importance of not caring what others think, offering that advice to young people. The show also features former film star KayCee Stroh, who played Martha Cox, now cast as drama teacher Ms Darbus. Rehearsals are taking place at Jerwood Space, and Judd’s daughter expressed excitement about the news.

The stage version aims to capture the original’s themes of self‑expression and breaking the status‑quo while celebrating two decades of the cultural phenomenon.