High School Musical has been called 'Grease for the noughties'

The Disney film, about two pupils who fall in love while auditioning for a play, has grown into a pop-culture phenomenon in the US.

Several cast members - including Monique Coleman and Lucas Grabeel - will take part in the 40-city tour.

The tour, which will feature songs from the film, is due to begin on 30 November in San Diego, California.

Cast members Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens will also tour, as will Drew Seeley, who sang on the High School Musical soundtrack.

But star Zac Efron is working on the film version of the musical Hairspray and will miss the tour.

High School Musical was something of a surprise hit, but Disney were quick to capitalise on its success.

It has been shown more than 13 times on US television, and the soundtrack album is the year's top-selling album so far.

The film received its UK TV premiere on the Disney Channel on 22 September. BBC One will show the film at Christmas.