Woah, Woah, Woah... Hairspray is back on a UK Tour and we are feeling the beat. With big hair, big bootie and big tunes, it really is a 1960s extravaganza like no other.
Originally released as an iconic John Waters movie in 1988 starring Divine and Rikki Lake, it became a fully fledged stage musical in 2002 on Broadway. Since that time we have had the 2007 John Travolta movie version and the fabulous 2016 Hairspray Live! on TV. The story of Tracy Turnblad and her peers really hasn't gone away in over two decades of high energy, foot tapping, singalong greatness.
For those that may be unaware, we meet Tracy Turnblad in Baltimore, 1962. She has dreams of appearing on the Corny Collins Show with his glamourous troupe of fashionable dancers. However Tracy is a plus size girl and when she gets the chance to audition she is given rather unkind treatment from producer and top bitch Velma Von Tussle, whose all American daughter Amber is a regular dancer on the show. Also getting the bitch treatment from Velma is Little Inez, a talented coloured girl, who is the subject of the shows racist segregation policy. Naturally as this is all inclusive musical theatre, we can't be having that so there follows a battle for Tracy and Little Inez to get recognised for the stars they are and for the people of Baltimore to become fully integrated as dancers and in love.
The music and lyrics of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman really hit the mark with its homage to the productions of Phil Spector and Berry Gordy's Motown throughout. The entire score is awash with earworms you just won't be able to stop humming as you leave the theatre: 'Good Morning Baltimore', 'It Takes Two', 'Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now' and of course the tongue twisting anthem of the show, 'You Can't Stop The Beat'.
This new UK tour has been blessed with a glorious cast. Neil Hurst channels Harvey Fierstein as he brings us a big brassy Edna Turnblad, gravelly voiced and the very heart of the show. His performance as drab Edna discovers her inner glamazon is a joy. He is matched with Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby as Edna's daughter Tracy, making her professional debut she invests Tracy with the vigour and energy of youth and delivers Tracy's songs with gusto. Gina Murray's take on Velma Von Tussle is first class, she is a stony faced bitch, a former 'Miss Baltimore Crabs' who is at the very centre of efforts to prevent anyone who veers away from an all American image appearing on the show. Murray nails it. When it comes to vocals, the biggest voice of the night is Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle, self proclaimed 'big, blonde and beautiful' Mama. Her performance of the civil rights anthem 'I Know Where I've Been' took the roof of the Palace Theatre and she deservedly got an ovation. The roles of Little Inez and Seaweed (Maybelle's children) are underwritten but thankfully Katlo and Reece Richards still found opportunities to shine, and made their mark on the show. The show is blessed with good voices as Solomon Davy (Tracy's love interest Link Larkin) and Allana Taylor (Von Tussle's daughter Amber) prove throughout. A word too for Dermot Canavan as Edna's devoted husband Wilbur, their duet 'You're Timeless To Me' is a highlight of the show with both actors striving to keep a straight face much to the delight of the 2000 strong audience. Richard Atkinson and his onstage band of seven make sure the music keeps pumping out, there is no finer sound in theatre than a great band in full flow. Thank you guys and gals.
Jointly and expertly directed by Paul Kerryson and former Maybelle, Brenda Edwards with breathtaking choreogrpahy by Drew Mconie, this latest production delivers in spades and proves that Hairspray is set to remain one of the all time great musical theatre shows. Hairspray isn't just a frothy revisiting of the sixties, it reminds us of our need for inclusivity and the ongoing struggle for equality. It genuinely has something to say about history and how we can continue to learn from it. You certainly can't stop this beat, and frankly who would want to? Beehived brilliance.
Rob and Ian
Venue and ticket information can be found at the official HAIRSPRAY UK Tour website.
Rob and Ian's recommended listening: the original 2002 Broadway cast recording on streaming and downloading services (plus of course CD for oldies like us!)
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