Hairspray the Musical at Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by L Burton
Good morning, Nottingham
Every day’s like an open door
Every night is a fantasy
Every sound’s like a symphony…..”
Yes, my all-time favourite musical is touring again and we can’t be happier! This happy-go-lucky story is so sweet it melts your heart. This vibrant production is bursting with excitement and all the dazzling elements that bring musicals to life! It’s exhilarating with stunning outfits, vibrant lights, catchy songs, a hilariously lavish script, and an electrifying dance performance from the entire cast! Under Paul Kerryson and Brenda Edwards’s fab direction, this superb cast makes this show a true dance joy.
A firm favourite of many, Hairspray is set during the 1960s and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad. A plus-sized, confident girl, Tracy dreams of being on The Corny Collins show and when the opportunity comes knocking, she grasps it. While far from an easy journey, Tracy’s dream is eventually realised, and while challenges seem to stop her because of her body type, it pales in comparison to the impact of segregation. Tracy throws herself into standing up and speaking out for what’s right and makes it her calling to help bring about much needed change, risking everything that she’s ever wanted to stand up for the Black community. The product is an evening of fun, laughter and fantastic show-stopping dance numbers.
In keeping with the film of the same name, the show begins with “Good Morning Baltimore,” where we first meet Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby’s character Tracey. She sings beautifully, dances charmingly, and has enough charm and cuteness to grab the audience’s attention right away. Her energy is infectious, and she has a knack for making people laugh. Her ability to keep up flawless singing while dancing is amazing, and I thoroughly loved her performance!
As Tracey’s mother, Neil Hurst is fantastic. Hurst frequently has the audience giggling, but his duet with Wilbur (Stuart Hickey) is particularly memorable. Their amazing love song duet, “Timeless To Me,” pays homage to the vaudevillian heritage of the past and is sure to make you laugh out loud.
In Hairspray, dance is the focal point of attention. No other performance has had more pulsating, high-energy dance numbers on stage in a long time. Drew McOnie’s amazing choreography enables a model ensemble, led by Emily Ann Potter execute exact routines in a creative and wonderful manner. Seaweed played by Jaiden Lodge and Olly Manley as Link, made the roles their own and complimented the Tracy (Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby) and Penny (Nina Bell) in a way that brought the story to life on stage.
The poignant song “I Know Where I have Been,” performed by Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle, is a remarkable performance, Motown’s rendition of “Welcome to the 60s” has been revived and the closing song, “You Can Stop the Beat,” quickly became our favourite of the evening together with “Without Love”, a timeless rock ballad! The atmosphere was wonderful as the audience felt the same and soon began clapping along! The cast, which includes Declan Egan (Corny Collins), Kirsty Sparks (Velma Von Tussle), Issie Wilman (Amber Von Tussle), Nina Bell (Penny Pingleton) and Katlo (Little Inez), is made up of incredibly talented professionals who truly brought the show together on stage.
Unquestionably, Hairspray is a plus-sized feel-good story with a very deep message—an innocent heart that defends her beliefs and sees them through to the end, no matter the cost. With its hilarious lines, do-it-yourself advice, and upbeat characters, Hairspray is a show for everyone and will leave you feeling happy and singing as you walk down the aisle. I always fall in love with Hairspray because of its timeless, cherry-pop sweetness, which is why I adore it so much! The success of theatre musicals is very much demonstrated by Hairspray. The joyful conclusion will leave you speechless. The production at Nottingham Theatre Royal is excellent in every aspect. I hardly ever see a musical theatre production that captures the whole atmosphere that the film evoked in my heart and mind, but this one swept me away!
Rating: 5/5 for this show!
Hairspray is currently showing from last night until the 9th of November but unfortunately, this show has sold out for every single night of the Nottingham run! You can still watch it at other theatres so make sure to check the UK Tour website to check when and where. The next venue is the Newcastle Theatre Royal from the 11th of November to the 16th November. Recommended age of audience is 12 and children under the age of 14 will need an adult to accompany them. https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/hairspray/