Hairspray - Shaftesbury Theatre

SYNOPSIS

Hairspray - The Musical

Hairspray the Musical is an epic theatrical production that recaptures the drama and excitement of change in 1960s America. Written for the stage by Scott Wittman and Mark Shaiman, and with music by Shaiman and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, the show focuses on the character of Tracy Turnblad -- a plump teenager from Baltimore with a passion for dance. Her talent wins her an appearance on a local TV dance program, from where she is catapulted to celebrity fame overnight. The story of the birth of a new era is played out. It's 50s vs. 60s…trendsetters vs. the status quo…all set against a backdrop of social conflict and political change. Oh yes, liberation is in the air with Hairspray the Musical!

Welcome to Baltimore!

The show opens with an introduction to Tracy Turnblad's teenage life. It is one dominated by a passion for music and dance. Her infatuation with "The Corny Collins Show" and the upcoming nationwide dance event for the right to be crowned Miss Teenage Hairspray, sees Tracy and her friend, Penny, rush home from school to watch the show and practice the latest dance moves.

But when one of the show's dancers drops out, auditions are held for a replacement -- and Tracy is picked, thanks to the moves she's learnt from all the cool black kids at school. Link Larkin, the show's lead male, is won over by Tracy's talent and her brazen, forthright views that coloured girls should have the same opportunity to perform -- all much to the annoyance of the show's reigning queen, Amber Von Tussle, and Amber's mother, the show's producer, Velma.

On stage Tracy eclipses Amber, setting up an epic battle between the two and the concepts and ideals each represent. Amber and Velma appear to have the upper-hand when Tracy is found guilty of attempting to integrate the show. Tracy is jailed, and Amber and Velma make sure that she suffers. But Link comes to the rescue, springing Tracy from jail to set up a stunning finale in which Tracy sees her dream come true -- an integrated dance show televised live across the nation…and her mother, Edna, emerge from a giant can of hairspray with an act of her own in a defiant statement to Amber and Velma that you just can't stop the beat.  

Hairspray in the West End

Hairspray is based upon the 1988 movie comedy by John Waters. It was first adapted for stage in 2002, making its debut on Broadway in August of that year. It transferred to the West End in 2007, opening for previews in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre on October 11, before being unveiled to the public at its official opening on October 30, 2007. The production features some big name actors -- Michael Ball takes the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother, delivering a convincing performance in this challenging female role, while Mel Smith portrays joke shop owner Wilbur Turnblad, Tracy's father. The original cast in the West End features newcomer to the stage, Leanne Jones, in the role of Tracy.