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JOHN Waters’ Hairspray began life as a small indie film starring Rikki Lake and Divine. The themes of racism and identity, as seen through the eyes of self-proclaimed ‘pleasantly plump' protagonist Tracy Turnblad, became a cult classic and the feel good flick morphed into a Broadway sensation in 2002. The rest is history, with even John Travolta stepping into Edna Turnblad’s high heeled shoes in the musical film; followed by the likes of Michael Ball, Mark Benton, Michael Starke and Phil Jupitas in the various UK stage versions.
Funny and as frothy as it always was, Hairspray continues to hold its own
Now the hit show returns, packed with familiar TV faces. Benidorm’s Tony Maudsley is Edna, Loose Women’s Claire Sweeney is Velma Von Tussle, Peter Duncan has traded his Blue Peter badge for the role of Edna’s husband Wilbur and former X Factor contestant Brenda Edwards belts out message-laden songs with relish as Motormouth Maybelle.
Freya Sutton is no stranger to the role of Tracy, having played her during Manchester’s last run, and the part fits her like a sequined glove. The plot follows Tracy and her geeky friend Penny Pingleton (played by the terrific Monique Young) in their quest to get onto The Corny Collins Show; a hip music show that favours white, skinny, pretty girls over kids like them.
Tracy sets out to change this by showing the nation that size doesn’t matter and attempts to help the black community in the process, fighting for equality for all. Sounds corny? Well, it’s Collins’ first name for a reason as Hairspray is pure candyfloss and bubble gum. But Drew McOnie’s energetic choreography, a willing cast at the top of their game and camp comedy make you forget any bumps on the dance floor.
The Hairspray castPaul Moore’s limited set has been made for a much smaller stage, so it often feels as squeezed onto a space the size of the Palace. It also means that some scenes - Wilbur’s joke shop, for example - have no real backdrop to speak of. Paul Kerryson directs with pace and vigour, although he does presume that you ‘know’ this show, making certain scenes feel slightly uneven when compared with previous versions.
Marc Shaiman’s excellent songs remain, from the splendid Good Morning Baltimore through to the foot-stomping show stopper that is You Can’t Stop the Beat. Maudsley’s Edna is a comic joy, imbuing this loyal mama with heart and avoiding the clichés associated with men playing women.
Sweeney has great fun playing the politically incorrect Von Tussle, Edwards blows the roof off more than once with her beautiful Motormouth and Peter Duncan is sweetness personified as wonderful Wilbur. It’s not just the stars that shine brightly here though, with Ashley Gilmour’s Link Larkin particularly good as a wannabe Jersey Boy. Lauren Strode is also excellent as Velma’s vile daughter, Amber. As for Dex Lee as Seawood, he almost commands his very own standing ovation.
Omari Douglas, Layton Williams and Reece Richards may spend most of this spirited production in the background, but their talent shines through. Remarkable dancers with stage presence to spare, it won’t be too long before these three are centre stage, as their energy is incredible.
Funny and as frothy as it always was, Hairspray continues to hold its own.
Hairspray runs at the Palace until Saturday 31 October - tickets here
