Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Cast: Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby, Neil Hurst, Joanne Clifton, Michelle Ndegwa, Solomon Davy, Declan Egan, Katlo, Reece Richards, Allana Taylor and Freya McMahon
Join big hearted Tracy Turnblad and her new friends the spirited Seaweed and his sister Little Inez, heartthrob Link Larkin and the resolute Motormouth Maybelle as they strive to change the world. Hairspray has wowed audiences in The West End and on Broadway and still packs a punch with its message of tolerance and the fight against racial discrimination.
Hairspray the Musical is back on tour in the UK, currently at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.
Hairspray is one of the most popular musicals and is back to visit the UK once more! It's not difficult to see why the show is a fan favourite. This show is vibrant, fun, uplifting and popping with colour; especially when it comes to the costumes and set designs from Takis. The designs are just stunning and the cast members really stood out in their costumes, each reflecting their respective character's perfectly.
While this musical is mostly known for being upbeat and hilarious, it also tackles issues such as racism, sexism and issues of body image and self-acceptance. The show brings light to serious and important matters in a way that's uplifting and incredibly fun.
The performances from every cast member were outstanding, visually and vocally; and there were some real powerhouse performances. Katie Brace was incredible as the lead, Tracy Turnblad. Brace managed to make the role her own, and her voice is simply beautiful. Solomon Davy (Link Larkin) and Reece Richards (Seaweed) were just sensational in their portrayals of their characters. One thing's for sure, they will have you swooning for them both! Joanne Clifton's (Velma Von Tussle) performance was so close to Michelle Pfeiffer's version of the character, it almost felt like it was Michelle on stage at times!
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A particular highlight was when Neil Hurst (Edna Turnblad) and Dermot Canavan (Wilbur Turnblad) couldn’t stop laughing in the middle of performing '(You’re) Timeless to Me'. While it was definitely not scripted, it was a wonderful moment to witness that felt so real and only highlighted the chemistry between the actors.
I am a massive fan of the music from this show and the choreography from Drew McOnie is just outstanding. There's never a dull moment throughout the show; it kept me engaged and it's clear to see the effort and passion the cast and creatives put into this production. With some incredibly catchy numbers, you'll be sure to be humming them on the way home - and one thing's for certain, you'll be leaving the show on such a high!
Whether a frequent theatre goer or a theatre novice, I'd recommend Hairspray the Musical. Everything is so bright, bubbly and uplifting - 'you can't stop the beat' with this one!
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