You can’t stop the beat of this dazzling, feel-good triumph, bursting with stellar performances, infectious energy, and heart.
Last night, the King’s Theatre in Glasgow came alive with the infectious energy of Hairspray, the beloved musical that takes audiences on a whirlwind journey of love, acceptance, and standing up for what’s right. Directed by Paul Kerryson and Brenda Edwards with flair and bursting with talent, this production deserves nothing less than a standing ovation.
Set in 1962 Baltimore, the story follows Tracy Turnblad, a bubbly teenager with big hair and even bigger dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show. Beneath its lively choreography and colourful costumes lies a deeper narrative of breaking societal barriers and challenging prejudice, delivered with humour, heart, and a whole lot of hairspray.
From the opening notes of “Good Morning Baltimore” to the show-stopping finale of “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” the cast poured their hearts and souls into every moment. The lead role of Tracy played by Katie Brace with boundless charm and charisma, capturing her optimism and determination perfectly. Her soaring vocals, paired with impeccable comedic timing, made her the heart of the show.
Opposite her, Solomon Davy’s portrayal of Link Larkin was electric with his dreamy voice creating the perfect romantic counterpoint.
Meanwhile, Tracy’s best friend, Penny Pingleton, delivered laugh-out-loud moments with her quirky mannerisms and an unexpected character arc. Portrayed by Freya McMahon, she gave us a stand out performance from start to end. A real star in the making who had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand.
The comedic crown, however, belonged to Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s larger-than-life mother, played by the fabulous Neil Hurst. Portrayed with warmth, wit, and dazzling physical comedy, Edna brought the house down in every scene she graced.
Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton shines as Velma Von Tussle, cha cha-ing effortlessly through showstoppers like ‘(The Legend of ) Miss Baltimore Crabs’, and commanding the stage with charisma and flare.
The ensemble cast was equally superb, exuding energy that felt palpable even in the farthest rows of the theatre. Their harmonies were pitch-perfect and high kick’s in synch, particularly during “Run and Tell That” and “Welcome to the 60s,” was a visual treat. Special mention must go to Motormouth Maybelle’s stirring performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been,” which was a powerful highlight that left the audience visibly moved. There was not a dry eye in the house. It’s clear to see why Michelle Ndegwa was selected from more than 3000 auditionees in the open call to portray this character.
The direction shone in its seamless balance of humour, heart, and social commentary. While Hairspray is undoubtedly a feel-good show, it’s messages about inclusivity and resilience were delivered with authenticity, avoiding preachiness.
The technical aspects of the production elevated the storytelling to new heights. The vibrant set design cleverly used animations to take you from the streets of Baltimore to The Corny Collins Show.
The costumes popped with era-appropriate flair, and the iconic hairstyles were a character in their own right, adding an extra layer of fun.
The music, performed by a live band, under the supervision of Ben Atkinson was nothing short of spectacular. Every note seemed to leap from the pit, perfectly complementing the energy on stage. The dynamic sound design ensured every lyric and line was crystal clear, further enhancing the emotional resonance of the performances.
Overall, Hairspray at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow is an absolute triumph. It’s a joyous celebration of individuality, love, and community that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the show, this production is not to be missed.