“Hairspray”
Nottingham Theatre Royal

The place is Baltimore, USA. The year is 1962. Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and has big dreams. She wants to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for integration. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ‘do?

What is there not to like about this brilliant, bouncy and bubbly musical? Nothing that I could find anyway! It’s like opening a shook up can of pop. Release the ring pull and be prepared to be showered in fizz.

I've seen several productions of "Hairspray" in the past and have not seen a bad one. This production though pushes the Hairspray bar a notch higher. It has even more of a WOW factor with its' very clever video design (Dick Straker), fluorescent outfits, wonderful set design, lighting design (Philip Gladwell) and the amazingly sexy and energetic choreography (Drew McOnie).

Norman Pace stars as Wilbur Turnblad and his on stage chemistry with Edna, especially with his duet, "Timeless To Me", was very evident.

Matt Rixon reprises his role of Edna Turnblad and he was a joy to watch; like watching an artist at work.

Also returning to the production, Layton Williams plays Seaweed.His moves are sexy and that slight air of naughtiness and danger makes this performance fresh to watch. How he could sing and dance with that level of energy, I'll never know!

Brenda Edwards is Motormouth Maybelle. What can I say about Brenda that can describe the absolute joy of hearing her soulful, gospel tones. Her voice gave me shivers, and when she performed "I Know Where I've Been", I could have died at that moment and had been happy. I have not seen an audience give a standing ovation for a performance before the end of a show for a long time, but tonight that happened with Brenda.

Playing Little Inez was a dynamite little actor, Monifa James, and like all the actors, had an amazing energy about her performance.

Gina Murray played the obnoxiously fun Velma Von Tussle and another powerful voice in the cast that had no weak link.

In fact the only link in the cast was of the Larkin variety, Link Larkin, played with just the right amount of arrogance by Edward Chitticks.

I love a bit of corn and I love the character Corny Collins, who was based on a real life U.S. DJ called Buddy Deane. Jon Tsouras was excellent as the TV DJ Presenter who was all in favour of breaking down those race barriers.

Amber Von Tussle, spoilt daughter of Velma, was played by understudy Gemma Lawson.

Penny Pingleton, the best friend of Tracy, played by Annalise Liard-Bailey. One of my favourite roles in the play because she brings such a comedy element to the play. Just perfect casting.

Playing Tracy Turnblad tonight was understudy Rosie O Hare. this show is blessed with some excellent understudies as shown with Gemma and Rosie. If we hadn't been told that there had been replacements in the cast, no one would have been the wiser because every member of the cast we saw tonight were spot on. Everyone nailed their roles.

i must also mention Tracey Penn who played the female authority figures, who was so entertaining.

A brilliant ensemble made this production an exciting, fresh and breath taking show to watch.

Great live band under the musical direction of Richard Atkinson. the soundtrack is one of the catchiest with songs like "You Can't Stop the Beat", "Good Morning Baltimore", "Welcome To The 60's" and "Mama I'm A Big Girl Now" among several wonderful musical theatre gems that will have those toes tapping and hands clapping.

It's a forgone conclusion that you'll be on your feet at the end because this cast is one of the best I've seen, it;s got a fresh feel about the show and because you'll want to.

“Hairspray” is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 17 February 2018. Follow the bells!!