Hairspray at the Grove Theatre Dunstable Review
Hairspray
Grove Theatre, Dunstable
16 May 2015
Reviewed by Sandra McGhee
On behalf of What’s Good To Do I was, as always, more than delighted to be given the chance to review a show at my local theatre; The Grove Theatre, situated in Dunstable, even more so on this occasion as this time the show was one of the top favourites, the Broadway musical Hairspray (and this was the very first time it was being performed at the Grove Theatre). This musical in particular had more of a personal appeal to me as one of our favourite films my 10 year old daughter and I have watched together over the last few years at least 3 to 4 times and so we both knew the storyline particularly well! Of course my guest was my daughter who was just as excited to see the show as myself.
The reception foyer was buzzing, even more so than usual. We were welcomed again without no need for introduction, the reception staff member recognised me and gave us a very warm welcome and directed us to location of our seats. I was very pleasantly surprised with our seats in side stalls left 33 & 34, great views of the stage, upon taking my seat had a quick look around and was so amazed the audience all but only a few seats looked full to the brim! I knew instantly we were in for a good evening’s entertainment.
Hairspray is a 1988 American, romantic, musical comedy film written and directed by John Waters and in 2002 the film was adapted into Broadway, it won 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2003.
The production of Hairspray was presented by DAOS a registered charity. All I can say is what an incredible performance, it is so very hard to believe that this show was performed by an amateur group consisting of local community. No exaggeration, we could have easily been sitting in the West End, the performance from start to finish was extremely good, great stage sets, costumes and music. The cast were very cleverly put together. Very convincing characters relived and illustrated the story of Hairspray so very well. Some brilliant humour, fantastic singing and dancing. The cast all played their parts so well, my particular favourites were of course Tracy Tumlblad, her mother and father Edna and Wilbur but every member of the cast were as equally good and should deserve the recognition they so all deserve. All very good talent.
Good Morning Baltimore opening act with Tracy and Company was the first of 13 scenes in Act 1 followed by another 9 scenes in Act 2. Each act superbly told the story of the great film of 2007 starring John Travolta as Edna Tumblad, the original film was first adapted in 1988.
In 1960s Baltimore, dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad (auditions for a spot on “The Corny Collins Show” and wins). She becomes an overnight celebrity, a trendsetter in dance, fun and fashion from start to finish you will be glued to your seats to follow the story. DAOS cast pulled the story off very well, this was so evident and obvious as a standing ovation at the end of the show. Big well done to cast and all those involved in pulling this show off, loved every minute.
I most definitely recommend going to see a show produced by DAOS Productions.
Future shows to look out for produced by DAOS Productions:
Forbidden Broadways Greatest Hits October 2015 presented at the Little Theatre in Dunstable, June 2016 “Legally Blonde” and June 2017 “Sister Act”.
Rating: 5/5
Value: worth every penny £16.50 to £18.50
For shows at the Grove Theatre visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk.
Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP | 01582 602080
