Hairspray UK tour hits Glasgow's King's Theatre

Hairspray title image (King’s Theatre)

The Hairspray UK Tour arrived at the King’s Theatre on January 27 and it has got everyone up and dancing.

Hairspray is set in 60s Baltimore and follows Tracy Turnblad, a perky teen with a passion and talent for dance. After she lands a spot dancing on The Corny Collins Show, Tracy has to fight against the prejudice she faces for her weight, as well as stick up for her African American friends who were still dealing with a range of segregation laws at the time.

The show was spectacular and it’s clear that both the cast and crew are booming with talent.

The costumes (designed by Takis, who was also the set designer) were a glisty, glittery, 60s dream that left those who were born after the sixties envious of the period’s glamourous style.

The wigs were big, beautiful and everything great about the time. Craig Forrest-Thomas managed to capture the dramatic and theatrical essence of 60s hair without making the wigs look comical and fake.

The dancing from the ensemble was a true joy to watch and showcased what a supremely talented choreographer Drew McOnie is.

One word that perfectly summarises the cast of this production is energy. Every single cast member was bringing their A-game and it was clear that they were having the time of their lives.

Katie Brace was an adorable Tracy and managed to create a perfect balance of being sweet and feisty. She belted out the high notes while having a clear diction and maintaining a healthy technique.

Joanne Clifton was a deliciously wicked Velma Von Tussle who captivated audience members with her strong vocals and demanding stage presence.

Michelle Ndegwa, who plays Motormouth Maybelle, is a true powerhouse and her incredible and emotional performance of I Know Where I’ve Been was breathtaking.

But the standouts of the whole show had to be Neil Hurst and Dermot Canavan, who play Tracy’s loving and comical parents, Edma and Wilbur Turnblad. Their genuine chemistry, talent and comedic timing were a joy to watch. Their performance of Timeless to Me was particularly hilarious.

As for the negatives, although the songs were all very enjoyable, numbers like The Big Dollhouse felt like they could have been cut. There were also some jokes that didn’t quite land, though this could just be a case of British humour differing from American humour.

That being said, Hairspray is the ultimate feel-good show that will have you tapping your feet and singing the songs for days.

Hairspray is playing at the King’s Theatre until the February 1.