HAIRSPRAY THEATRE REVIEW
Hairspray: An infectious musical loved by audiences
People who like to watch lively, infectious musicals should definitely book theatre tickets to watch Hairspray in the West End.
This is one of the most upbeat shows there is and is sure to have audiences laughing, tapping their feet and rooting for main character Tracy Turnblad.
Hairspray originally opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in October 2007 with Michael Ball playing Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother. It received rave reviews and scooped a record-breaking 11 Olivier Award nominations, going on to win Best New Musical that year.
It also scooped a prestigious Critics' Circle Award in 2008, demonstrating its high standing among even the most fierce of critics.
But this was definitely not beginner's luck, since the musical is still going strong now.
It is set in Baltimore in the 1960s and sees teenager Tracy Turnblad keen to pursue a career in dancing. However, she is held back by her "pleasantly plump" figure and finds herself rejected from a local teenage dance club, despite having some great moves.
With the help of her friends, she tries to show America she can dance just as well as the other girls, while also helping her black friends to avoid the racial prejudice that is stopping them from dancing too.
Hairspray has been given some glowing reviews
The musical has had some excellent reviews recently, with Justin Matlock of the Hornsey and Crouch End Journal saying it is "guaranteed" to put a smile on the faces of the audience, as it is hilarious and great fun.
Meanwhile, Diana Ecclestone of the Croydon Advertiser said the score is infectious and the plot has plenty to say about equal rights and not judging a book by its cover.
It also looks fun too, thanks to its flamboyant costumes and the drag role of Edna Turnblad.
A surprising 175 wigs are used to make Hairspray look so dazzling, with each one handmade for a specific cast member. Meanwhile, to avoid the carefully-sculpted hairdos of the characters coming to pieces during the lively dance routines, the crew gets through 80 cans of hairspray a week.
It's no wonder Hairspray was described as "a really fantastic hair day" by the Observer and "hairtastic" by the Times!
Those who have never experienced the musical may now book theatre tickets to see it in order to see for themselves what they are missing.
Hairspray is now booking at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End.