Hairspray - UK Tour Review

Reviewed by Bethany Hill at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review

Hairspray is a musical that is both BIG and BEAUTIFUL, embarking on a new UK tour through 2024 and 2025. Whether you’re a fan of the show from its illustrious 22 years on Broadway and the West End, a lover of the major hit 2007 film or it’s your first time visiting Baltimore, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life travelling back to the sixties in this latest reincarnation. Featuring a stand-out score, laugh out loud comedy and heart-warming messages of love and acceptance, Hairspray is a show that simply cannot be missed!

Photo by Ellie Kurttz

The show opens in 1962 Baltimore, where we meet our heroine Tracy Turnblad who shares her dreams of performing dance on the national TV show The Corny Collins Show alongside heartthrob Link Larkin through her catchy opening number, Good Morning Baltimore. We are also introduced to Tracy’s best friend Penny and her loving parents Edna and Wilbur who run both a joke shop and laundry service. Tracy’s dreams are supported by her loving circle, however it quickly becomes apparent that wider society is perhaps not ready for her stardom because of her weight and appearance. Tracy is down on her luck, finding herself thrown out of an audition by the horrid Von Tussles and thrown in to countless detentions in school. It is here that Tracy meets Seaweed and his crew, a group of incredibly talented black dancers who are constantly unfairly relegated to ‘special Ed’. Tracy and Seaweed strike up a friendship that sees her finally recognised and put onto The Corny Collins show, where romance in many forms begins to blossom! However, Tracy quickly realises that injustice beats at the heart of the 60’s, with racial segregation rife. Our kind-hearted heroine knows that she must use her new-found platform to fight for what is right and seeks to integrate black and white performers even at personal cost to herself, but can her joining a fight of generations help to create lasting change and change the world? Well, that’s for you to find out!

If you have seen a production of Hairspray before, you will know that one of its biggest strengths is its music. Whether it be upbeat dance numbers like Run and Tell That, comic duets like You’re Timeless to Me, or rallying ballads like I Know Where I’ve Been, the songs in this show will have you dancing in the aisles, laughing and sobbing through the show’s entirety. This cast and band breathe new life into these famous numbers, combining wonderful choreography with impeccable musical performance. I am still finding myself singing along to You Can’t Stop the Beat twenty- four hours later! The show combines this sixties swing style with a wonderful array of costumes, designed by Takis, that are bright, flamboyant and sparkly, perfectly transporting you back in time to the sixties. This production also brings a fresh, new approach to its staging and set design, combining moving set pieces and props with digital backdrops that lead to seamless set changes and some breathtaking moments; a particular display at the end of I Know Where I’ve Been brought more than a single tear to the eye.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz

One particular stand-out performance for me was that of Neil Hurst in the role of Edna Turnblad, made famous by the likes of John Travolta and Michael Ball. Having seen Hurst in other recent performances including the tour of The Full Monty and now seeing him shine in this role, I wouldn’t be surprised to see his name listed amongst the greats of British musical theatre for years to come. He brings genuine warmth and charm to this role with perfect facial expressions and comic timing, and his on stage rapport with both Tracy and Wilbur was simply gorgeous! He had the audience on their feet, cheering and clapping and is certainly a name to watch in the industry!

However, for me the most incredible thing about watching this particular performance was that it became an absolute masterclass and ode to the wonderful understudies, alternates, covers and swings that are the beating heart of British musical theatre. At this performance, we were incredibly lucky to see MANY performers under this umbrella proving their impeccable talent and making this a show to remember. Tracy was played by Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby, making her professional debut in this role, who brought such enthusiasm, vocal and dance talent and a sparkle that suited the role perfectly. In the role of Velma Von Tussle, the principle (and also very talented) Joanne Clifton was covered by Kirsty Sparks, who brought the perfect balance of likeable villain and cutting, sharp wit. Issie Wilman brought Amber Von Tussle to life and had some of the best facial expressions I’ve seen, suiting the role perfectly and completing the dynamic duo of the Von Tussles with fire and bravado. Our Seaweed was played by Jaiden Lodge, an incredible dancer with amazing chemistry and comic timing with the equally wonderful Nina Bell, a hilarious and loveable Penny Pingleton. Link Larkin was played by Olly Manley, the ultimate ‘cool guy’ with charisma, charm and killer vocals. Another stand out performance came from Stuart Hickey, playing Wilbur alongside Hursts’ Turnblad with real affection and joy. Their duet You’re Timeless To Me was truly an audience favourite and a real highlight of the show. Special shoutouts are also so well deserved for Duncan Burt, Emily Ann Potter, Joseph Bristow, Ryan Appiah-Sarpong, Joshua Nkemdilim, and Rebecca French, all of whom covered roles during this performance! For anyone who ever feels disappointed to see a role covered at any production, this performance proved why seeing any understudy or swing is an absolute privilege and truly made this a show I will never forget seeing. The standing ovation given to the entire cast and crew at the end of the performance was a credit to the clear hard work and determination put into creating the show in the form we witnessed and so, SO well deserved.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz

Hairspray may not be a new musical, but it remains a show with heart and most importantly vital messages that are as relevant today as they are to the 1960’s. Tackling racism, sexism and issues of body image and self-acceptance, the show brings to light incredibly serious and important issues in an incredibly fun and uplifting way. The show leaves audiences feeling lighter and happier than when they came in, and what more could one ask for from a musical than that? Like Tracy herself sings, the show leaves its audience with a clear goal; eat some breakfast then change the world! And perhaps this show plays a part in doing just that; leaving our world a little bit better than it found it.

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Hairspray is at Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 9th November before it continues on its tour of the UK through 2024 and 2025. Tickets are available from https://www.hairsprayuktour.com/