SHAFTESBURY THEATRE

Great night out: for sheer energy and lots of fun
Morning after effect: "Good Morning Baltimore..."
Recommend to friends: for a fun night out
Best bit: Mr and Mrs Turnblad get the giggles mid-song during "You're Timeless To Me"
If you like this you'll love: Mamma Mia! | Sister Act | Grease

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Against all expectations I loved Hairspray. Really big hair, big personalities, catchy songs and endless energy, this is a delightful show which kept me smiling from start to finish.

Based on the film written and directed by John Waters, Hairspray is directed by Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Set in Baltimore, America, in 1962 where a television show, 'The Corny Collins Show' is seeking Miss Teenage Hairspray in a dance contest.

The rather unshapely Tracy Turnblad (played by Chlöe Hart) is transformed overnight from outsider to teen celebrity and trendsetter with a conscience. Tracy and her friend Penny Pingleton (played by former Emmerdale star Verity Rushworth) join forces with Baltimore's black community in order to overthrow the shows rather skinny producer Velma Von Tussle (played by Liz Robertson) with the hope of integrating 'The Corny Collins Show'. Along the way Tracey falls head over heels for Link Larkin (played by Liam Tamne) and against all odds not only gets her guy.

Don't miss the chance to see Brian Conley in a dress and heels as Tracey's larger than life mum; Edna Turnblad who is married to Wilbur Turnblad (played by Nigel Planer). Mr & Mrs Turnblad make a great duo, mid-song giggles resulted in a fantastic adlib sketch which had the audience in hysterics.

In addition to the fantastic cast the show has an abundance of flashy, wild, gaudy and glittering 60's attire, the ladies sporting enormous beehive and bouffant hairstyles. The action takes place on an equally as loud flashy set; I especially liked the shadow board backdrop for silhouette dancers and neon lighting.

The musical features an original score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman. There catchy songs transport Tracy from the stage of '60s style dance show to down town Baltimore rhythm and blues record store.

Some subtle comedy moments built into the original US production are lost on the London audiences as does the significance of the distinct Baltimore dialect.

Hairspray has perfect sprinklings of love and tugs at your conscience. Don't miss this tremendously fun show!

Audience
There is no content that would offend in this show, apart from some bottom grabbing and general teenage innuendo - so it's perfect for most audiences, particularly for a 'girls nightout' as it would seem on the night I saw the show.
 
Theatre
The Shaftesbury Theatre is located at the top of Shaftesbury Avenue where it meets High Holborn and is a bit cut off on what seems to be its own traffic island. But a short walk down Shaftesbury Avenue brings you to Monmouth Street and line of great bars and cafes for pre and post theatre. The theatre does have quite a few steps down into the Stalls area and is a little rabbit warren of corridors, but it is a medium sized London theatre and the views lines are good from most seats. We'd recommend avoiding the very back of the Balcony as leg room can be very limited.