Reviewed by Kimberley Bickerdike
Set in Baltimore in the 1960s, the story of Hairspray is an energetic musical addressing social segregation and racial tensions. This show is advertised as ‘The Smash Hit Musical’ and that’s exactly what you get. From the opening scene there are many catchy and upbeat songs with minimal narration. There are also plenty of funny and not so subtle innuendos which might be lost on younger audience members but definitely appreciated by everyone else.
Act 1 begins with Tracy Turnblad (played by Rebecca Mendoza) starting her day by jumping out of bed and singing ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ which sets the fast-paced tone for the rest of the show. She is a high school student who is determined to dance on the Corny Collins TV Show and wants all of her friends to be able to dance with her regardless of their race or colour. Based on true events, Hairspray details how the black and white teens opposing segregation stormed the Corny Collins studio, which happened in Baltimore in 1963 during the filming of the Buddy Deane Show. As the show is based in America there are some heavy accents which on occasion make it difficult to understand everything that is said.
As well as the fight for integration and equality there is an endearing tale of friendship, first loves and mother and daughter relationships. Tracy’s best friend Penny Pingleton (played by Annalise Liard-Bailey) is a ditzy character who has a sweet and innocent squeal of a voice. She endures a difficult relationship with her over bearing mother but finds love in the arms of Seaweed (played by Layton Williams) who continues dancing throughout the whole performance and demonstrates many skilled and smooth dance moves. Tracy overcomes adversity and she too finds love with Link Larkin, (played by Edward Chitticks), the local heartthrob and singer.
The staging is simple, fun, varied and effective and the focus is on the bright and sparkly costumes with plenty of elaborate costume changes throughout.
Many audience members had clearly been to see Hairspray numerous times before and some had even choreographed their own dance moves to their favourite songs. There was an array of bright and colourful outfits and if you’ve ever wondered when you’re going to wear those sequinned boots or swishy skirt again, then this is the show for you. The theatre was packed and there was plenty of cheering for each scene, song and character.
The Liverpool Empire Theatre is centrally located and easy to reach by the train. Liverpool Lime Street Station is less than a 5 minute walk and there is a Wetherspoon’s next door where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink before the performance starts. The theatre gets quite warm, so I would advise you wear light clothing.
The highlights for me was the vocal performance by the Dynamites, a 3-piece female singing group, Motormouth’s powerful solo performance of Big, Blonde and Beautiful, Seaweeds epic dance moves and of course the finale. The performance ends with full audience participation when the classic ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ is belted out by the entire cast and you can’t help but jump up from your seat and join in.
Overall this is a story of hope told in a fun and energetic way and there are many laugh out loud moments. I would recommend this show for all the family and I would happily watch this show again and again.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £12 to £62 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Hairspray is at the Liverpool Empire from 16-21 April 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
