The highly anticipated 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour of the beloved musical Hairspray kicked off at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, promising a fresh yet faithful rendition of this classic. Produced by a stellar team and featuring a mix of seasoned performers and new talent, this production breathes new life into Tracy Turnblad’s journey of ambition, love, and social change. Audiences across numerous cities are set to be captivated by its timeless messages of inclusivity, tolerance, and the power of dreams.
Hairspray transports us to 1960s Baltimore, where Tracy Turnblad, a plucky and determined teenager, dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show. Her dream comes true when she wins a spot on the show, using her newfound fame to advocate for racial integration on television. This musical is a vibrant and energetic tribute to the music and societal shifts of the era, featuring unforgettable songs such as “Welcome to the 60s,” “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” and “Good Morning Baltimore.”
One of the standout aspects of this production is the uniformly strong performances from the entire cast, each member bringing unique energy and enthusiasm that permeates the show.
Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby is utterly convincing as Tracy Turnblad. Her boundless energy and heartfelt portrayal anchor the show, making her journey both compelling and relatable. She embodies Tracy’s optimism and determination, delivering her lines with the perfect blend of humour and sincerity, and her singing is powerful, hitting every note with precision and emotion.
Michelle Ndegwa shines brightly as Motormouth Maybelle. Her beautiful vocals and commanding stage presence make her a highlight of the production. Her rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been” is particularly moving, capturing the character’s strength and resolve. Ndegwa’s performance is a testament to her talent, providing a deep and soulful portrayal that resonates with the audience.
Dermot Canavan brings warmth and humour to the role of Wilbur Turnblad, Tracy’s supportive father. His chemistry with Neil Hurst, who plays Edna Turnblad, is palpable, particularly in their duet “You’re Timeless to Me,” which is both hilarious and touching. Canavan’s performance is endearing, embodying Wilbur’s unwavering love and support for his family.
Solomon Davy is charming and charismatic as Link Larkin, though the role does not fully allow him to showcase his extensive talents. Despite this, Davy makes a lasting impression with his stage presence and vocal performance. He captures Link’s journey from a superficial teen idol to a young man who stands up for what is right, adding depth to the character.
The ensemble deserves special recognition for their hard work and precise execution. The core ensemble (Ben Anderson, Grace Anyiam, Nina Bell, Vanessa Dumatey, Rebecca French, Marcellus Hill, Shemar Jarrett, Jaiden Lodge, Olly Manley, Sasha Monique, Jacob Smith and Issie Wilman) work very hard to deliver the choreography immaculately. The group numbers are executed flawlessly, with each member contributing to the high-energy dance routines and vibrant atmosphere of the show. Their commitment and enthusiasm are evident, making the large production numbers, such as “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” particularly electrifying. Particular shout out goes to Jacob Smith who was totally entrancing in all his moments on stage.
The creative elements of this production are noteworthy and significantly enhance its success. Co-directed by Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson, the direction honours the legacy of John Waters’ original film. Notable examples include the over-the-top performance of Allana Taylor as Amber Von Tussle and the background acting of Freya McMahon as Penny Pingleton, which add layers of humour and campness to the show. The directors have managed to balance the light-hearted elements with the more serious themes of the musical, creating a production that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Drew McOnie’s choreography is another highlight of the production. Fun, vibrant, and executed perfectly by the cast, the dance routines are a joy to watch. Each step and movement is performed with precision, and the choreography captures the spirit of the 1960s while adding a contemporary flair.
The updated costumes, designed by Takis, are stunning and era-appropriate, enhancing the visual appeal of the production. From Tracy’s colourful dresses to the sleek outfits worn by the Corny Collins dancers, every costume is meticulously crafted to reflect the period and character’s personality. The attention to detail in the costume design adds an extra layer of authenticity to the production, transporting the audience back to the 1960s.
The music, supervised and arranged by Ben Atkinson, is vibrant and upbeat, keeping the audience engaged and tapping their feet throughout the performance. The live band, led by Richard Atkinson, complements the singers perfectly, creating a rich and dynamic sound that fills the theatre. The musical arrangements stay true to the original score while adding a fresh and energetic twist.
While the production is overall a resounding success, there are a few areas that could be improved. Although many lines are delivered with excellent timing and inflection, some are delivered in bizarre ways. If intentional, this adds to the campy nature of the show, but it occasionally disrupts the flow of dialogue. This inconsistency in line delivery can momentarily take the audience out of the experience.
Another area that detracts from the otherwise polished performance is the new video and projection designs by George Reeves. These elements often appear blurry and distracting, taking away from the overall visual appeal of the production. Some of these some basic, superfluous or out-of-place. The projections sometimes clash with the vibrant costumes and lighting, making certain scenes feel cluttered. Simplifying or refining the projection design could help maintain the production’s visual coherence.
The 2024/25 UK tour of Hairspray at the Palace Theatre in Manchester is a vibrant, energetic, and heartfelt production that captures the essence of the beloved musical. With standout performances, excellent choreography, and beautiful costumes, it successfully brings the story of Tracy Turnblad to life for a new generation. Despite minor areas for improvement, the show is a joyful celebration of 1960s music and societal progress, leaving audiences buzzing with excitement and tapping their feet long after the final curtain call. This production of Hairspray is a testament to the enduring power of the musical and its ability to entertain, inspire, and bring people together.
Hairspray plays at the Palace Theatre until 27th July where it will continue its UK tour.
Photography throughout from Ellie Kurttz.
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