Hairspray, UK Tour (2024) Review
The cast of Hairspray. Photo by Ellie Kurttz.Written by Kay for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
The hit, feel-good musical, Hairspray, returns to British theatres with a bang this summer, and it’s fair to say that I was excited to see it. An old favourite of mine, it’s been years since I last saw it, but all these years later, it’s one that still packs a punch. Featuring toe-tapping hits such as ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’, ‘Without Love’ and ‘I Can Hear The Bells’; this musical is a spectacle of joy.
A firm favourite of many, Hairspray is set during the 1960s and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad. A plus-sized, confident girl, Tracy dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins show and when the opportunity arises, she grasps it. While far from an easy journey, Tracy’s dream is eventually realised, and while she continues to face barriers because of her body type, it pales in comparison to the impact of segregation. Risking everything that she’s ever wanted to stand up for the Black community, Tracy throws herself into the anti-racism movement and makes it her mission to help bring about change.
Whilst the show is undoubtedly light-hearted and humorous, the meaning is much deeper. While written in the early 2000s, Hairspray offers a thoroughly modern approach to allyship, conveying the importance of standing alongside those facing persecution. And yet, this is all conveyed in a laugh a minute fashion, that is full of charisma and energy.
It was a production that picked up as it went along, with some of the early jokes seeming to fall flat. However, the songs themselves carry the story forward, with one seeming to follow the other faster than the speed of light, and the production benefited from the energy that offered.
The casting of Tracy Turnblad is perfection and it’s fair to say that Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby, who makes her professional debut, shines in the role.
A special mention must go to Neil Hurst (Edna) and Dermot Canavan (Wilbur), whose version of ‘Timeless To Me’ almost resulted in a standing ovation. The actors were unable to contain their enjoyment, with both bursting into spontaneous and endearing bouts of giggles themselves. There was an element of improvisation to this scene that left the audience in hysterics with the performers having to pause for the applause that erupted following a specific joke.
The entire cast was impressive, with each vocal performance goosebump-worthy and executing Drew McOnie’s slick and polished choreography perfectly in the show. Each person fully embodied their roles, with even the side characters offering moments of hilarity. The headteacher, PE teacher and prison guard offer particularly memorable moments.
The staging was simple, but the cast did more than enough to bring the entire production to life.
But, fair warning, the Hairspray soundtrack has the same substance as a tube of Pringles and the songs are guaranteed to end up stuck in your head. A thoroughly enjoyable and fun performance that is well worth a watch when it comes to a theatre near you.
At the Wales Millennium Centre until 03 Aug as part of the wider UK tour which runs until 19 April 2025.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
