Hairspray the Musical at the New Theatre Oxford Review
Hairspray the Musical
New Theatre, Oxford
21-26 September 2015
Reviewed by Jan Jay
The warm welcome by the staff at the New Theatre, Oxford was much appreciated on a rainy Tuesday evening. It was great to see the number of regulars being recognised and welcomed back.
We had come to see the touring production of Hairspray the Musical which had arrived in Oxford the night before. This production was absolutely brilliant. From the opening number until the final curtain we were toe tapping and mesmerised.
The musical is set in Baltimore in 1962 and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad and her desire to become famous and appear on national TV. When her dream comes true she realises that not all members of the show are treated equally and sets about to put things right.
Brenda Edwards (Motormouth Maybelle)
Photo Credit Ellie Kurtz
There is so much talent on the one stage it is truly difficult to pick out individual performances, every single member of the cast and indeed orchestra, deserves a special mention. The line-up is star studded. Tony Maudsley from ITV’s Benidorm steals the show playing a very funny Edna Turnblad with a great Baltimore accent. Great casting marries him with Peter Duncan of Blue Peter fame as they make up the little and large parents of Tracy Turnblad our leading lady played brilliantly by Freya Sutton. Claire Sweeney plays a convincing baddie in her role as Velma Von Tussle the prejudiced producer of the TV show.
Tony Maudsley (Edna Turnblad) and Peter Duncan (Wilbur Turnblad)
Photo Credit Ellie Kurttz
The energetic dancing, the colourful costumes and the pyrotechnics were a visual delight and boy do they know how to entertain by song. From soulful ballads to show stopping belters they just kept on coming. I cried tears of laughter during Act 2 but the show is also thought provoking with its theme of overcoming segregation in the early 1960s.
The feel good factor left after watching this outstanding production is better than any tonic I know. It should be put on prescription and as far as the venue is concerned, we will definitely return.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £17.90 to £53.40 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Hairspray the Musical is at the New Theatre in Oxford until 26 September 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3020.
For more information on Hairspray the Musical visit www.hairsprayuktour.com.
New Theatre Oxford, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG | 0844 871 3020
