The feel good musical Hairspray arrived at Manchester’s Palace Theatre for a high-energy, perfectly-cast evening of entertainment.
Transported back to 1962 Baltimore as racial segregation is coming to a end we are introduced to lovable teenager Tracey Turnblad (Freya Sutton) and her best friend, the bungling Penny Pingleton (Monique Young) as they watch their favourite TV programme ‘The Corny Collins show’.
Tracey dreams of getting a chance of appearing on the show herself. After a stint in detention she meets a group of black dancers headed by cool mover Seaweed (Dex Lee) who push her towards auditions which see her become a overnight celebrity.
Now in a position to change attitudes she sets about putting a stop to the once-a-month ‘Negro Day’, which unlikeable producer Velma Von Tussle (a very convincing baddie Claire Sweeney) allows.
Spoilt daughter Amber (Lauren Stroud) remains centre of attention but her love interest Link Larkin (Ashley Gilmour) takes a shine to Tracey and begins to change his outlook on segregation which only fuels the storm brewing amongst performers and the production team.
Backed by her ever-supportive parents Mum Edna (Benidorm’s Tony Maudsley, who makes a wonderful woman!) and Dad Wilbur (Peter Duncan) Tracey Turnblad works towards racial integration for all performers.
Although at times a little hard to stomach, racial issues are tackled well, with a heart-warming relationship developing between Seaweed and Penny.
The show is packed full of catchy songs – ‘You’re Timeless To Me’ had the audience in hysterics, while X Factor’s Brenda Edwards steals the show belting out ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ as character Motormouth Mabel.
‘Mama I’m a Big Girl Now’ and the easily recognisable ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ ensured everybody was clapping and toe-tapping along. The impressive supporting cast are all in their own right amazing singers and dancers.
Colourful true-to-time costumes and impeccable choreography along with a cleverly designed set make this production of Hairspray a hugely entertaining show.
I won’t spoil the story by giving you the ending: you really do need to go and see for yourself!
Hairspray runs at The Palace Theatre until Saturday 31 October.
