Reviewed by Helen Noble
This smash hit musical comedy “Hairspray” comes to Bradford at the Alhambra Theatre!
It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad (Rebecca Mendoza), a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way!
I have heard “Hairspray” mentioned on numerous occasions yet I had not even seen the film! Curiosity got the better of me and decided I must go see for myself and I also dragged the husband with me. What a fantastic night from start to finish. Not knowing the story beforehand didn’t matter at all, it was so fantastically played out I felt I was watching a movie. The colourful scenery and backgrounds were spectacular, the casts singing and acting, teamed with the live band, was immense. The scene between Tracy’s mum, Edna Turnblad (Matt Rixon), and dad, Wilbur Turnblad (Norman Pace from Hale and Pace), was one of the best comedy highlights of the show.
We had a good view, seated in the middle of the stalls centre stage and the performance lasted two and half hours including intermission.
The Alhambra is a traditional theatre, the main theatre building is modern with bright lights which not only look fabulous but makes the building easy to find.
On the ground floor there is a ticket kiosk and a kiosk for purchasing soft drinks and sweets. On the first floor there is an impressive bar/cafe area, also a merchandise kiosk. The staff were welcoming and helpful.
This was our first visit to the Alhambra theatre in Bradford, due to mobility problems I always look up parking before going anywhere therefore found there were plenty of carparks within a couple of minutes walking distance from the venue, we parked on Sharpe Street to which was free parking with a blue badge. If using an NCP car park if you inform the ticket office on arrival they give you an additional parking ticket to enable a discount on your parking fee. When we arrived at the venue we found disabled parking onsite to the left of the buildings entrance to which I never found any information about via their website when I looked, at least we know now for next time.
Advertised as an irresistible feel good show that will have you smiling for days! To which I definitely agree. I would highly recommend it, a must see!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £21 to £46.50 (booking fees may apply).
Hairspray the musical is at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford from 20-25 November 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or call the box office on 01274 432000.
Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ | 01274 432000
