Hairspray, the musical sensation based on the hit John Waters 1988 film, plays in the King’s as part of a UK tour. One of the more modern musicals, the show is a whirlwind of big characters, big hair and plenty of laughter and entertainment. Producer Mark Goucher describes it as “ one of the greatest musicals ever written. It has heart, it has warmth and it makes you both laugh and cry”
Set in 1962, Tracy Turnblad is a a “pleasantly plump” Baltimore teen with ambitions, imagination and a heart of gold. An avid fan of the infamous Corny Collins show, Tracy has one lifelong dream…. To become one of their teenage dancers and fall in love.
With a joyful, upbeat musical score featuring Good Morning Baltimore, Mama I’m a Big Girl Now and Welcome to the 60s, there are plenty of laugh out loud moments and colourful, mesmerising performances to entertain you from start to finish.
However underneath all the glitz and glamour is a real message of uniting communities together and challenging racial stereotypes.
The emotional and pensive ballad I know Where I’ve Been by Motormouth Maybelle (Bernadette Bangura) was by far the highlight of the night and a stand-out moment in the production.
Hairspray tackles body positivity, stereotypes from all walks of life and, most importantly, never letting anyone say no to your dreams.
The audience were waiting for the incredible finale of popular show stopper You Can’t Stop the Beat, and they were not disappointed. We left the auditorium smiling from ear to ear.
Hairspray is a family friendly hit that will continue to entertain for years to come.
The show runs at the King’s Theatre until 2 April.