REVIEW | Hairspray UK Tour

Photo Credit: Mark Senior

Hairspray UK Tour

★★★

Hairspray is a huge production adored by musical fans all over the world. This production has been continuing to fill seats in the theatre for years and I know exactly why. It has all of the elements needed for an unforgettable show. We swing into the 60's where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an enormous heart, is on a mission to pursue her dreams of dancing on TV. She is determined to dance her way onto national TV with The Nicest Kids in Town. Her audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight the bigger issues outside the TV screen. It feels like a true representation of a page in the history books but with catchy musical numbers and unforgettable characters to ensure its a musical we don't forget! 

This new touring production has all of the foundations for a fantastic show but it didn't quite hit the nail for me. The punch I would expect from this show didn't land. The character relationships felt under developed, leaving the portrayal of the important issues to pass us by without acknowledgement. Hairspray has some iconic lines embedded in it but they were lost in this new touring production. The pace of the entire show was far too quick allowing the audience no time to take a breath and allow themselves to understand the importance of its message. 

However, there was some definite moments when the production did have the volume and strength needed behind it for a show that has such a big reputation. This touring production does have a superb leading lady in its helm. Katie Brace is the perfect fit as Tracy Turnblad. She has an incredible amount of energy and passion oozing out of her portrayal as this character, her vocal ability is unforgettable. Brace radiates this passion alongside Rebecca Jayne-Davies, who is a delightfully loveable as Penny Pingleton. 

Edna Turnblad and Norman Pace are a brilliant duo as Tracy's parents, they deliver a wonderful rendition of 'You're Timeless To Me' which really wins the hearts of their audience. The jaw-dropping performance of the night came from Brenda Edwards. She commands the stage from the get go as Motormouth Maybelle, an important figure in Tracy's quest to discover the importance of equality. Her rendition of 'I Know Where I've Been' is spine-tingling, the power behind every breath of Edwards singing this song left the audience speechless. 

I feel like the cast were let down by the staging which was sparse and repetitive, leaving little inspiration. It doesn't allow the score and feel-good choreography to soar in this show, it also leaves the cast working harder to fill a vast space on the stage. 

Hairspray is a timeless musical with an important message at its heart but this touring production unfortunately left me feeling uninspired. The saving grace was some incredible cast who brought those iconic characters to life.