Hairspray at Venue Cymru Llandudno Review
Hairspray
Venue Cymru, Llandudno
11-16 April 2016
Reviewed by Louise Turton
You can’t stop the beat in this fabulous show.
A favourite film of my daughters we both travelled to the lovely theatre of Venue Cymru with much excitement. Arriving nice and early I easily found free on road parking to the back of the venue, and after collecting our tickets from Lucy we ventured to the bar to enjoy a drink in the relaxed, informal surroundings.
As both of us are familiar with the film we were both intrigued to see how the stage show would differ. At the heart of the story is a tale of racial discrimination. This may not naturally sound like the recipe for a heart-warming, feel-good musical but somehow it works. Set in Baltimore U.S.A in 1962 the heroine of the show Tracy Turnblad is a plump teenager who dreams of becoming part of the dance troupe on The Corny Collins Show. When a spot becomes available although at first discouraged by her mother who fears Tracy will be laughed at, her father gives his blessing for her to audition. At the television station, she is denied her place by the racist, mean producer Velma Von Tussle – brilliantly played by Claire Sweeney, because of her weight alongside Little Inez who is shunned because she is black.
Back at school, during detention (for hair issues) she meets and becomes friends with Seaweed, the son of Motormouth Maybelle, who is the host of “Negro Day” on The Corny Collins Show. He teaches her new dance steps that she can use at the school dance the following day to try and make an impression on Corny Collins himself.
What follows is a story of equal rights and the heroine of the story Tracy trying to gain acceptance for both herself and the black community of Baltimore. Entwined in this is also some developing love stories between a few of the main characters. The stage is set simply but affectively, alternating between a row of houses with simple furnishings to represent the characters living spaces to the television studio. Also bars are used to represent a jail scene. This is all works brilliantly.
The production moves seamlessly between one fantastic song and dance number to another, my highlight being “Run And Tell That” at the end of Act 1.
The whole cast performed to the highest level and were a credit to the show. A sure sign to this were the whoops and cheers that followed the end of each musical number by the appreciative audience. Every foot tapping number led us swiftly to the rousing end of the show and the highlight of my daughters evening, a fabulous ensemble cast performance of “You Can’t Stop The Beat” and a hilarious turn by Claire Sweeney. Audience participation at this point was also encouraged, much to the joy of the majority of people watching – us included.
A tremendous, sensational evening.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £20 to £40 (booking fees may apply).
Hairspray the Musical is at Venue Cymru in Llandudno until 16 April 2016, for mire information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01492 872000.
For more information on the UK tour and tour dates visit www.hairsprayuktour.com.
Venue Cymru, The Promenade, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1BB | 01492 872000
