Hairspray At Birmingham Hippodrome Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Janine Rumble
Hairspray, the beloved musical, based on the 1988 John Water’s film masterpiece of the same name, bursts with energy and heart and is a quintessential piece of theatrical joy. The production currently gracing the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome is a delightful reminder of the power of music, dance, and social change wrapped in an irresistibly fun package.
The plot, set in 1962 Baltimore, revolves around the vivacious Tracy Turnblad, played with boundless charisma and infectious enthusiasm by Alexandra Emerson-Kirby in her professional debut and if her performance is anything tonight is anything to go by, then she has an amazing theatrical career ahead of her. Her portrayal of Tracy is both endearing and powerful, capturing the essence of a young girl who dreams big and dances even bigger. Alexandra brings a fresh vibrancy to the role, making Tracy’s journey from outsider to star both inspiring and immensely enjoyable and her singing is truly amazing. What a voice! But then, all the cast have amazing and diverse vocal skills, which really added to the show as a whole.
The musical’s strength lies not just in its memorable tunes, but in its ensemble cast. Solomon Davy as Link Larkin is the epitome of 1960s heartthrob charm, delivering performances of “It Takes Two” and “Good Morning Baltimore” with a blend of sincerity and suave that perfectly compliments Tracy’s exuberance. Meanwhile, Neil Hurst’s portrayal of Tracy’s mother, Edna Turnblad offers a heartfelt, performance that brings a surprising depth to a role traditionally known for its humour. And boy, what a lot of humour there was, especially when on stage with Dermot Canavan, who portrays Edna’s husband, Wilbur Turnblad during their duet ‘You’re Timeless to Me’. What is meant to be a sincere song of love and partnership, soon had the audience laughing out loud as the innuendos bounced between the two characters. One part had the audience howling with laughter and, which in turn, led them to break characters just for a moment as they laughed too. Their performance, especially during this song, received the loudest applause of the evening.
The antagonistic Velma Von Tussle, played by former Strictly Come Dancing professional and 2016 winner, Joanne Clifton provides a deliciously wicked foil to Tracy’s optimism. Joanne’s portrayal is sharp and biting, a testament to the character’s role in perpetuating societal prejudices. The dynamic between Velma and Tracy, as well as her daughter Amber, played by Allana Taylor, is portrayed with a perfect mix of tension and theatricality, ensuring that the message of acceptance and inclusivity remains at the forefront of the narrative. They both are characters that you love to hate.
All of the ensemble cast were brilliant, from Declan Egan (Corny Collins) to Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle and everyone in between gave an amazing performance and I do not know how they have the energy to perform for 2 and a half hours and keep up the high octane energy throughout, but they do.
Director’s Paul Kerryson and Brenda Edwards bring a keen eye for detail and pacing to the production. The choreography, orchestrated by Drew Mconie, is nothing short of exhilarating, especially in numbers like “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” which is a showstopper in every sense. The vibrant costumes and set design transport the audience back to the 1960s, creating an immersive experience that complements the upbeat, retro vibe of the musical.
Musical director Richard Atkinson deserves special mention for the crisp and lively execution of the score. Each song is delivered with a level of precision and passion that keeps the audience engaged and tapping their feet. The band’s energy infuses the performance with a contagious vibrancy that is difficult to resist and you easily find yourself singing and seat dancing to all of the well known songs, and some new songs I had never heard of before, but they slotted into the show as if they had always been there.
The costumes for all characters were brilliant, so well designed and each told a story of the characters wearing them. They were bright and colourful and became more flamboyant as the show progressed.
The set was very simple and very cleverly used, especially when turning the stage from the mean streets of 1960’s Baltimore to the brightness of the Corny Collins show.
In conclusion, this production of Hairspray is a testament to the timeless appeal of the musical. It balances humour, heart, and high-energy choreography with a relevant social message that resonates just as strongly today as it did in the 1960s. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the world of Tracy Turnblad, this performance is sure to leave you smiling and perhaps even dancing in your seat. If you’re looking for a night of sheer entertainment, then Hairspray is an absolute must-see. I promise you, you will be like me, singing along, tapping leg in time to the music, smiling, laughing and highly engaged throughout.
Hairspray runs to Saturday 21st September at the Birmingham Hippodrome, so book tickets, grab your friends or family and party the night away. Tickets are from £28.00 and are available from the Hippodrome website www.birmingham hippodrome.com
I give this show 5/5 stars.
Rating: 5/5