Hairspray

To twist a cliche, the Theatre Royal Brighton is beautifully formed – but small, so how the huge company of Hairspray managed to faultlessly use that petite stage is quite frankly brilliant.
From the opening number to the final moments of a well deserved curtain call, they simply ripped it up. Hairspray is a joyous bouffant tonsorial delight of a show and this national touring production has been teased to extraordinary heights. Seen the film? Seen the West End production? Yes, of course, but in my opinion this cast is the best yet. Not one weak member in the line-up makes it hard to pull out names but needs must. Tony Maudsley as Edna is beautifully beefy, big and bouncy with a voice that could file down those prison bars. Peter Duncan excels as Wilbur in a show-stopping duet with Edna and Freya Sutton as Tracy is a feisty and sweet voiced creature equal to John Walters’ original vision – and what energy!
Claire Sweeney once again proves that behind that bubbly scally-lass facade there is a multi-faceted performer of great talent and Brenda Edwards delivers her numbers with pure soul class.
But if there is one overwhelming star in this show it is the ensemble dancing and singing and with a cast this full it would be impossible to name them all, save one, choreographer Drew McOnie, who has pushed this to an extraordinary level of physicality balanced with period style – and my word those kids give it their all!
This is a great show, great songs, great story, great costumes, great comedy and a great message too – and last night was a memorable night at the theatre. Beg for a ticket!
Theatre Royal Brighton
30 November
Andrew Kay
5 stars