Hairspray at Curve Leicester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Gemma F

Hairspray is a show that promises to be BIG, bold and beautiful….and it does not disappoint!

Hairspray took Broadway by storm, winning eight Tony awards. The production went on to win four Olivier awards in the West End, and multiple awards worldwide. The Hairspray UK tour stars Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton as the fierce yet fabulous Velma von Tussle, but was understudied on the night by Kirsty Sparks who did a great job of bringing this fiery, opinionated character to the stage. Freya McMahon’s character, Penny Pingleton, is comedy perfection and, let’s face it, when you see a show that Brenda Edward’s (Hairspray, We Will Rock You) is making her directorial debut in, you know you’re in for a real treat!

The show is currently touring the UK and was making its stop at Curve in Leicester when we visited. Curve, Leicester is a light and modern architecturally impressive building in the heart of the city. It’s easily accessed by road and public transport. The nearest NCP car park is next door to the theatre (which was great for the rainy night that we visited!). The staff are among the most welcoming I’ve ever come across in any theatre and there is a bar area and cafe for drinks and light meals or snacks. Particular mention goes to the box office staff who were very helpful and friendly.

This show features some of musical theatre’s biggest hit songs (and some of my personal favourites too!), ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ and ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ and many more. In this show, we see big hearted Tracy Turnblad and her new friends, along with heartthrob Link Larkin (played by Solomon Davy). This lively gang strive to change the world with an important message about racial discrimination and tolerance, and do so in such a powerful way that really packs a punch. This show is nothing short of breath taking. It’s a fun-filled fabulous feast for the eyes with costumes and dance routines that dazzle its audience.

There are so many stand out moments in this show that I could mention but particular praise goes to Michelle Ndegwa for her (literally) show stopping performance of Motormouth Maybelle’s ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’. Once in a while in live theatre there is a perfect moment where, among the razzle dazzle of a show, a performance stops you in its tracks and draws the entire audience into that moment. Ndegwa’s performance of this number was that perfect moment.

I don’t recall ever seeing a show where the audience were so freely joyful. It was an electric atmosphere and it was simply magical to be a part of. Hairspray cast, you are superb. Bravo!

I challenge you not to laugh out loud, dance and fall in love with this masterpiece of musical theatre! If I could give this 6/5 stars, I would!

If you get the chance to…go see it!

Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £10.00
Hairspray is touring the UK and can been seen at Curve, Leicester from 23rd-28th September 2024
Box Office: 0116 2423595
www.curveonline.co.uk
Curve, 60 Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB