Hairspray The Musical at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

The smash hit musical comedy, Hairspray took Broadway by storm, winning 8 Tony Awards and going on to win 4 Olivier awards in the West End and worldwide – this iconic, much loved show is now back with a bang and touring the UK and Ireland and currently showing at the fabulous Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

This was our first visit to the Waterside, an impressive and striking venue. There was ample parking in the vicinity and the large auditorium was spacious and comfortable.

Set in Baltimore in the 1960s, Hairspray tells the story of underdog, Tracy Turnblad, a girl who finds she is judged for how she looks rather than the person she really is. Tracy has big hair, big dreams and an equally big heart and when she wins a role on The Corny Collins Show it goes against the ideals of Velma Von Tussle, the judgemental and racist manager of the TV station. Velma, wants her daughter, Amber to be the star of the show while Tracy champions the talents of African-American dancers, who are only allowed to appear on a monthly ‘Negro Day’ show.

The storyline is endearing and full of fun, warmth and inclusivity, as Tracy battles through and brings racial integration to the TV show, the show packs a punch of a message. Despite being a show determined not to be taken seriously, the underlying themes of tolerance and acceptance stand the test of time and are thought provoking and as relevant now as ever.

‘You have to think big to be big’ is the motto Tracy lives by and she sure does! Katie Brace is sensational as Tracy, playing the beating heart of the show with outstanding, note perfect vocals and superb stage presence! Beginning simple, with the spotlight just on Tracy in bed, we are quickly transported to energetic excesses and brilliant musical numbers, with the incredibly talented cast belting one after the other – boy, do they all work hard to deliver a cracking show!

Joanne Clifton is charismatic and commands the stage as the fierce yet fabulous Velma won Tussle – a force to be reckoned with! It goes without saying that as a former Strictly Come Dancing performer, Clifton effortlessly nails her dance moves and her powerful vocals are also outstanding.

The production never holds back and is a constant full-on treat for the eyes as well as the ears, with every scene a riotous rainbow of colour, with fabulous every changing costumes, iconic big hair and make up!

Showcasing some of the biggest hit songs of musical theatre, which weave deftly around the unfolding story, Hairspray had the audience clapping and toe tapping from the start. With a fast flow of favourites such as ‘Welcome to the 60s’, ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’, ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ and many, many more, the show is filled to the brim with joyous music and lots of fun!

Full of heart, joy and inspiration – what more could you wish for! A brilliant night out – get yourself along to see Hairspray the Musical – the perfect antidote for a bad hair day! The standing ovation at the end was utterly deserved – huge congratulations to the cast and crew!

Rating: 5/5
Tickets available from £13.00, subject to a transaction fee of £3.95
Hairspray is at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from Tuesday 17th February to Saturday 22nd February 2025, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com.