If you’ve never seen HAIRSPRAY, then live on stage is the place you need to experience it, as good as the movie it. It’s a big show, with a big message, and some of the biggest, brightest feel-good songs you’ll find in any musical.
The show has had many incarnations over the years, most recently the London West-End production with Michael Ball and Marisha Wallace, which we saw just a few months ago. So the question is, can the Hairspray UK Tour deliver everything we saw on the West-End stage? The answer is a big yes, and some too.
In fact, I’d go as far as saying, the intimacy of the New Theatre made us feel more connected to the show. The multi-functional, ever changing set fills the stage, and whether all the cast are performing, or you have quieter solo moments, it really is very effective.
Hairspray is a 2007 musical romantic comedy film based on the 2002 Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn was based on John Waters’s 1988 comedy film of the same name. Rather than give you all the facts and many award winning figures behind this force of a show, why not head over to our feature, which includes an interview with one of the stars, KATIE BRACE – HERE.
Katie Brace – Tracy Turnblad
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Katie Brace – Tracy Turnblad
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Actually, it’s with Katie we want to start our opening night review. She absolutely filled the New Theatre stage with a bright and bubbly enthusiasm which makes her a perfect Tracy Turnblad.
This is Katie’s debut professional role, and she told us recently, it’s a part she has always wanted to play. Katie, we can tell you, this role has been waiting for you.
The energy she puts in to Tracy is unstoppable. She sings brilliantly, dances with a huge amount of energy, and when she is on stage with her character best friend Penny Pingleton, played by the amiable REBECCA JAYNE-DAVIES the chemistry is electric. Rebecca is a real find too and together they are a great match.
The show has a few great pairings, including Tracy’s Mum Edna, played by ALEX BOURNE and Dad Wilbur with comedian NORMAN PACE stepping into the role. You may have seen Edna played by a few actors, either on stage or in the movie, but Alex really does bring something different to his performance.
It’s very easy to portray Edna as a pantomime dame, but she is far from that, and is a key part to the story, coming with her own issues. Alex delivers on all fronts and when he/she and Norman are on stage together, it’s a sheer delight.
The stand out routine for the two of them is the duet ‘You’re Timeless To Me’ with Wilbur telling Edna why she is the one for him, with words verging on insults – it’s sweet and romantic, but incredibly funny.
Just to see the two of them side by side sets you off giggling. Alex is a very tall Edna and Norman a not so tall Wilbur. The routine is not only a joy to watch, but is one of the few moments when the story breaks and allows the audience to be a part of the show – okay yes, a little like pantomime.
I have to confess, the whole audience were more than happy to let them explore this routine ever further, it is a very special moment.
Alex Bourne (Edna) & Norman Pace (Wilbur)
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Alex Bourne (Edna) & Norman Pace (Wilbur)
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The show itself is set in 1962 where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound! Enter our vivacious heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has big hair, a big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin, played by ROSS CLIFTON. When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ‘do?
Don’t for one minute be fooled by the glitz and glamour of the show, the message is a powerful one, relevant back then, but as much now too.
Tracy begins fighting for racial equality and inclusion in Baltimore, along the way she meets Motormouth Maybelle, played by former X-Factor contestant, and Loose Women presenter, BRENDA EDWARDS.
Brenda Edwards – Motormouth Maybelle
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Brenda Edwards – Motormouth Maybelle
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As a character, Maybel isn’t on stage all that much, but when she is, Brenda brings a power and some incredible vocals to the show. You will come out remembering her time performing, particularly during ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ a show-stopping moment where Maybel is joined by half of the company, singing this song of struggle and determination while looking straight into Tracy’s eyes. It really is one of the stand out moments in the production.
As I mentioned, I saw the London production just a few months ago and the cast were spectacular, the touring production doesn’t disappoint on that front either. The company is so strong, and I feel really bad highlighting just a few names. Everybody in this show is off the chart good, and they all bring something to the production.
I must however give credit to REECE RICHARDS who plays an excellent Seaweed. He brings a gentle warmth and kindness to the role, with some really outstanding vocals, and boy can he dance.
Here’s a gallery of pictures from the show so you can see everyone in this fabulous production.
As far as the set goes, what you may have seen in London you’ll see on the New Theatre stage, but for me it all felt bigger and brighter here, guess it’s the joy of such a lovely theatre.
The costumes are every bit as extravagant as you’d expect, and the use of the rear-projection is really effective, particularly during Maybels’ stand out routine.
The songs are iconic, and you will be singing along from the first beat of Good Morning Baltimore and with some of the biggest and most iconic musical numbers, including Welcome To The 60s and You Can’t Stop The Beat, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.
Danny Belton is the Musical Director of one red hot band, who you get to see during a lot of the show. And the dancing is relentless with Drew McOnie’s choreography putting the cast (and us) through our paces.
If you do want to brush up on the steps to You Can’t Stop The Beat, Drew has got a comprehensive tutorial right HERE.
But never forget this is a show which dips into some really heavy stuff – bullying, racism, body shaming and more, but it’s all done in a light-hearted manner.
A friend of mine who was responsible for the whole Band Aid/Live Aid project said to me that if you entertain people and make them smile, the messages you’re delivering sticks so much stronger. That’s exactly how they do it in Hairspray. You will laugh, sing and no doubt be on your feet for a little dance, but you will also walk away understanding the seriousness of the story.
With Hairspray you know exactly what you’re going to get. Even after all this time, and through many reincarnations, you still feel the show is fresh and relevant.
Did we like it – I think that goes without saying. This is one of the shows you can take the kids, Mum, Dad, Gran and Grandpa along too, knowing they will all have a great time, no matter what their age.
HAIRSPRAY is only here for the rest of the week, so you’ll need to get your tickets and off to the New Theatre in Cardiff pronto. The show is on at 7:30pm each evening with a 2:30pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday – don’t know why I mentioned those as the matinees are now sold out. Tickets start at around £24 with various prices and concessions in between. For more details, and to get yours, go HERE.
And don’t forget our Hairspray feature, and interview with Katie Brace (Tracy Turnblad) is HERE.