Hairspray is big, it’s beautiful and it’s back with a bang, one of the best versions of the show I’ve seen over the years. Whether you’re an aficionado of this feelgood production, a fan of the original 1988 film or its 2007 musical reboot, or it’s your first visit to Baltimore, you can’t help but get wrapped up in the heart-warming tale.
That was certainly the case for last night’s first night audience at Mayflower Theatre who gave the cast, exceptional across the board, a rousing standing ovation at the curtain call.
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The show opens in 1962 when our plus sized heroine Tracy Turnblad leaps out of bed ready for another day dreaming of dancing on the Corny Collins Show.
With big hair and an even bigger heart, she gets her way, even finding love with heartthrob Link Larkin along the way, but not without the occasional blip, including a jail stint for her ‘rabble-rousing’ attempts to campaign for integration on the show, and in wider stateside society.
Katie Brace is exceptional as she makes her professional debut in the lead role. Her parents are also an absolute delight, Neil Hurst and Dermot Canavan straying into pantomime territory with their comedic turns as Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, particularly the giggle-inducing duet You’re Timeless To Me.
(Image: Ellie Kurttz) The whole cast, including Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton as Velma Von Tussle, excels, with Michelle Ndegwa giving a stand out performance as Motormouth Maybelle, belting out I Know Where I’ve Been beautifully.
The numbers Good Morning Baltimore and You Can’t Stop The Beat which start and end the show are memorable moments, the catchy tunes still stuck in my head hours later.
Hairspray is bursting with life and thoroughly entertained me and both my ten-year-old companions for every moment of the two and a half hours and more.
(Image: Ellie Kurttz) If you need your spirits lifting this January, it’s just the tonic.
Hairspray runs until Saturday. Tickets from mayflower.org.uk