Hairspray, Kilworth House Theatre Review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Emmie

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

A hidden gem nestled in the Leicestershire countryside is Kilworth House Theatre. With over 15 years of experience under its belt, audiences head to the open-air theatre for some of the best large-scale musical productions outside of the West End.

Last year’s Half a Sixpence was a ‘belter of a show’ but in fact, I think Hairspray is the most exciting one that’s been produced yet.

Hairspray is a huge production to get to grips with; its broken box office records and delighted audiences in the West End, Broadway, and on the big screen since 1988. Anyone who takes on a revival of this musical knows it’s not just about getting the choreography and the script right, but it’s about executing the diversity and foundations of this story. Director Lee Proud and Musical Director Michael Bradley have done this sensitively but also incredibly well.

Hairspray swings us into racially segregated 1960s Baltimore, although it does the job of remaining relevant to today’s audiences as it reflects many current events and issues in the U.S. Tracey Turnblad is at the centre of this world. She’s a young girl with big hair and an enormous heart, who is on a mission to pursue her dreams of dancing on TV. Beyond this story of her pursuing her dreams are the conversations around racism, body image, individuality and identity, student activism, community-police interactions, and media bias. All of this is packed into a musical that also has catchy musical numbers which align these issues perfectly and unforgettable characters to ensure it’s a musical that audiences don’t forget.

Leading lady Charlotte-Hannah Jones explodes onto the Kilworth stage with a zest unlike any other I’ve seen in this role. Jones is a breath of fresh air as Tracey Turnblad as she works through leading this stellar cast and hitting all the right notes, with the audience gripped to her every word. Alongside her is the hilarious Penny Pingleton, performed by Biancha Szynal. Szynal’s embodiment of Penny’s character is spectacular.

Michael J Batchelor and Steven Serlin bring Tracey’s parents to life as Edna and Wilbur Turnblad. Batchelor steeps into the heels of Edna perfectly and his portrayal of this unforgettable character will be a huge hit with audiences during the run. Alongside Steven Serlin their rendition of ‘You’re Timeless To Me’ is notably fun and enjoyable from start to finish, a beautiful piece that brings out the best in their relationship.

An important figure in Tracey’s journey throughout this show is most definitely Motormouth Maybelle, performed by Ayesha Maynard. Maynard makes her presence felt in an instant when we are introduced to her and her performance of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ leaves you with goosebumps.

The beautifully blended voices of Dynamite’s Jessica Niles, M-Jae Cleopatra Isaac, and Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli in ‘Welcome to the 60s’ really caught my attention!

This production works with little props and the scenery is the same throughout but it feels vibrant and fun - which aligns well with the overall feel of the production. There’s not a step out of line with this entire cast - Lee Proud and Michael Bradley have enabled them to individually soar in their performances, by most definitely drawing out how these performers can breathe new life into those well-known characters.

Hairspray is a triumph for Kilworth House Theatre! If you want something which is bright and joyous - get your hands on a ticket!