SYNOPSIS
Review
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....
Nora
Ticket Dates
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.
Reviews
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
