Hairspray

BTG’s new version of the global smash musical started strongly with vibrant sets and perfectly-synched choreography and delighted throughout as plus-sized Tracy Turnblad followed her dreams. The smutty dialogue and racial issues weren’t toned down and, while some 60s references weren’t picked up, there were plenty of belly laughs and each musical set piece a polished pearl. Act two featured a frisky old time dance number from Tracy’s parents before the valedictory finale of this ‘Grease for deviants’. Special mention must go to Sophie Graffin’s exuberant Tracy but the other principals and the entire ensemble should be extremely proud of this professional performance.

Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, 7 July 2015 (until 11 July)

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