SYNOPSIS
Review
My neice treated me to go and see this show with her and her two girls. It was fantastic!!
Annie
Audiences arriving at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End can go back in time to 1960s America with the epic theatrical production that captures everyone’s hearts. Based on the classic 1988 movie by John Waters, it was first seen on the stage on Broadway in 2002 before spawning the West End production in 2007. In the preceding years the story was also seen on the silver screen a second time, this time as a musical adaptation starring John Travolta and Zac Efron. It cements the story as a timeless classic – one that generations of people will be able to enjoy way into the future.
The story is called “Hairspray”, the tale of following your dreams in 1960s Baltimore – a setting of political upheaval and social conflict. It has been written for the stage by Scott Wittman and Mark Shaiman, features a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan and music from Mark Shaiman.
The story focuses on the exploits of Tracy Turnblad, a dreaming teenager with high hopes and big ambitions. Her passion is for dance and music, hoping to one day win the crown of Miss Teenage Hairspray, meaning she practices hard every night with her friend Penny, making sure she is up to date on the latest dance moves. Along the way she interacts with her father Wilbur Turnblad and her mother Edna Turnblad.
But her obsession doesn’t end there; every night she also tunes in to her favourite TV programme “The Corny Collins Show”, which features an array of dancers and big stars. Tracy’s dreams of singing and dancing could soon be realised with the drop out of one of the show’s dancers, with the production team announcing auditions for the replacement soon. Tracy will stop at nothing to win the coveted spot, so she tries out and wins over the judges with her amazing talent.
But her skills do not impress everyone and she soon comes head to head with the show’s prima donna Amber Von Tussle and her mother Velma, eclipsing the star and leading to a bitter rivalry that causes great trouble for Tracy. Therefore, it will be a struggle for her to fully realise her dream after all, which not only includes integrating the show in the best way, but also winning the affections of the dishy Link Larkin.
It is a story about following dreams to the full and working hard for them. It features songs such as “Good Morning Baltimore”, “I Can Hear The Bells”, “It Takes Two”, “Run and Tell That!”, “Big, Blonde and Beautiful”, “The Big Dollhouse”, “(You’re) Timeless To Me”, “Without Love”, “(It’s) Hairspray” and “You Can’t Stop The Beat”.
During its tenure in the West End, which began in 2007, “Hairspray” has been honoured with a prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical and a Critics’ Circle Award. It has also attracted some big name stars for its roles, including Michael Ball, Nigel Planer and Mel Smith. It means that it is a show that no-one should miss and one that will leave a smile on everyone’s face when they finally leave the Shaftesbury Theatre.
“Hairspray – The Musical” continues at the Shaftesbury Theatre where it continues to take bookings until late 2010.
Reviews
My neice treated me to go and see this show with her and her two girls. It was fantastic!!
Annie it was such an awesome show!!! I absolutely loved it! Michael Ball is hillarious!!!! A once in a lifetime thing! Amazing Spectacular one of a kind!!! We even had a standing ovation at the end!!!!
mondo Have seen a few versions worldwide and Michael Ball and Ben James Ellis outrank in their roles - and Leanne Jones made the long trip SO worthwhile!! Bravo to you all.
Greg It is the best musical you will ever see in the westend or Broadway. It has the music the dancing and you feal so good when when you come out of the theatre. Leanne Jones is the best Tracy by far but its a shame shes leaving on 26th July and being replaced by Chloe Hart. Chloe Hart is good but Leanne Jones is the best it will be a big loss.
Nora i went last year and i loved it i thought i would never like it but i was wrong i loved it it was the best birthday present ever micheal ball is the best x 10/10
grace I have been 4 times now and am going back next week and a few more times also. I love the moment and wish they could stay on longer then july. ben ellis is fantastic as link and leanne jones as tracey and michael ball wel they are all great. the show hairspray is my fav it is upbeat and if your feeling down it makes you feel so happy.i give it a 10 out of 10 i love it well done everyone x
jacqueline Saw the show in September 2008 wow brilliant what a fun show my number one fav show i have been to quite a few london shows. Will never forget seeing Michael Ball as the loveable fun Edna he was brilliant.
JANE It was the best show in my entire life!!! I have seen lots and lots of shows and this is by far the best show i have ever seen from all around the world!!! It was breath taking!!!
Laurren A must see show for all ages my kids are aged 5-14yr old and all 3 loved it. michael ball is hillarious as edna and leanne jones and ben james ellis are amazing as tracey and link. verity rushworth also played penny when we saw it and is really funny. leaves you on a high for days after seeing it x
Melanie I thought it was absilutely brilliant.I thought it was clever when she's in the bed in the beginning and edna is hilarious with wilbur when they sing together. Side splittingly good.
Ashley
