Hairspray Reviews

Anonymous from Cramlington, U.K.

WHAT A SHOW !

Saw this show in New York and loved it. Wasn't sure about Michael Ball as Edna but his is a new take on the role. He convinced us he was a larger than life woman. I loved it. The whole cast abounds with energy just making you want to get up and dance. Tracy is perfect,just how I felt at that age and being larger, I could identify with her. The whole young cast filled the stage with energy and enthusiasm carrying you along with their emotions. A show for all the family from Grannies to grandchildren. Can't wait to go again. Hope it runs for ever.

Mrs Hemmings from Yorkshire

EXCELLENT SHOW.

I vistied the theatre with my daughter who is in a wheelchair and partially sighted. It was the first time that she had been to the West End and London. She enjoyed the performance immensly and cant wait to come back to the West End to see her next show. The whole cast were wonderful. The musical direction was excellent and the lighting and scenes were colourful. I would like to also thank the theatre staff for their help which made my daughters experience memorable.

Dawn & Terry Stewart from Northumberland

THE ENERGY LEAPS FROM THE STAGE

I brought my wife to see Hairspray as a birthday treat and what a treat it was for both of us. The 3 hours spent on the train from Northumberland was very worth while. My wife is a member of the Michael Ball Fan Club and we have seen him in many different roles and venues but he made the role of Edna his own. The whole cast deserve the greatest praise for a very , very, super show. The energy leapt from the stage in every number and we were truly honoured to be there to see it. It is difficult to single out a particular cast member as they were all great in there own way but in the leading lady the theatre has found a new star who shines brightly throughout the whole show, well done to you all.

Dave from Guildford

TERRIFIC

we saw Hairspray 1st Dec and it was a fantastic show. Mel Smith was particularly good but hats off to Michael Ball for dragging up for it!

Rachel from Epsom, Ewell

MY TRIP TO HAIRSPRAY

I went there with my school and i thought the dancing and singing was fantastic. The way they transformed Micheal Ball into Edna Turnblad was amazing. If i had the chance i would definatly see it again. Overall, i thought the show was fun-filled, action packed and i would love to take my mum there as a birthday treat this year!

Colin Smith from London, England

FANTASTIC FUN EVENING

We organise lots of nights out in London for corporate groups and inevitably get to see all of the shows in the west end. This was our first group to Hairspray and every single person loved it - even me! We had a fabulous pre-theatre meal at Laureate restaurant 5 minutes walk down Shaftesbury Avenue and then enjoyed one of the best shows I have seen for a long time. The big names on show were eclipsed by the newcomers but both sets of performances complimented each other perfectly. It had humour, energy, simple story line, great musical score and best of all actors that seemed to be really enjoying themselves! It really is the kind of show everyone will enjoy. I hope I get to see it again!

Dave from UK

DO NOT MISS THIS FANTASTIC SHOW

From the moment the curtain went up this show was terrific. The cast gave one of the best performances I have ever seen in the west end. The audience loved every minute. The musical numbers were met with very loud applause and cheers. The atmosphere in the place was electric. It is also a very funny show. Michael Ball has great comic timing and is a very good actor. In the end all the audience were on their feet dancing along with the cast.

Anonymous from GB

MRS LINDSEY COCKBILL

Just been to see Hairspray for a 2nd time, may have to go another dozen!! its totally addictive. An absolutely fantastic show, the energy is amazing. The actors are terrific - I have told everyone I know to go. The dancing of Ben James - Ellis is excellent - someone has fitted springs to that boy's feet!!!!!!

Vicky from Welling

SHOULD HAVE SAID PROMPT ON TICKET

The Musical was EXCELLENT the best i have ever seen, it was nice to see they added pieces from the old film and the new one. Shaftsbury theatre was a let down on our tickets it said 7.30pm we arrived at 7.32 and had to wait in the reception area and watch on a screen unitll the end of 2 songs i was not impressed it was brought as a pressie for my neice and she was upset !! not good It should have said show starts 7.30pm

Anonymous from Anytown, AT 55555

FANTASTIC!

From the moment we sat down till when we left a fabulous time was had. This show is one of the best I have seen. We were sad when half time came, we wanted the music to go on and on. All the cast were super, Mr Ball especially. There were some changes to the cast but this made no difference, I am sure it could not have been better. I would see hairspray again and I don't say that often. Fantastic! Thanks to the whole team for entertaining us.

Alex from Chelmsford, Engand

FABULOUS!

From the first beat to the atmosphere upon leaving - FABULOUS! A Must see. If that wasn't enough, you cannot beat a 'pantimime' Dame in a West End Show. Michael Ball is both Camp and Funny - Excellent!!

Alison from oxfordshire

BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!

an amazing show, it was slick, funny and gave us an enduring feel good factor. We loved every minute of it especially the song your timeless to me. We want to see again and again. If you haven't booked don't miss it a Fantastic show!!

Orchard from UK

FANTASTIC

What a brilliant show, book now you wont be disappointed!!!!!

Mrs haddock from ashbourne derbyshire

FANTASTIC

had a day out with the kids traviled down with the children on the train saw the show and we were bussing all the way back home FANTASTIC .

Fiona from UK

FANTASTIC!!!!

A must see show!! Fabulous from start to finish!! such a feel good factor, felt high for hours after the show had finished! Brilliant!!!

Laura from Gibraltar

FANTASTIC!

I went to see Hairspray having seen The Sound of Music which is my favourite film ever, also having seen Mr. Mead outdo my quite high expectations in Joseph and not being hugely keen on seeing Hairspray other than the awe of seeing Michael Ball and not being keen on seeing him in a dress... And Hairspray was far and away the best performance of the week - it was everything you could ask for in a musical and more, the cast were amazing, their enthusiasm and enjoyment shone through, Michael Ball and Ian Talbot were hi-la-rious! I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. I would recommend this show to everyone, any age, even those who claim to hate musicals. I was sitting quite far forward but I think you would get a great view from anywhere in Shaftesbury Theatre. Also seeing as it's requested, I didn't see places to eat right beside the front entrance but just go round the side and there are loads of places. What more can you ask for?!?

Maeve Bergin from Dublin, Ireland

PLEASE RELEAST LONDON CAST RECORDING

I have travelled from Dublin twice to see Hairspray. Am a fan of musical theatre and this is just the best show ever. It has everything - laughter, great energy and fantastic songs. Michael Ball and Leanne are brilliant and the whole cast looks as if it is having the best time ever. Please release a London Cast recording of the show - I bought the Broadway version but can't stand the voice of Harvey Fierstein playing Edna. I would recommend this show to everyone who wants a great night out and you come out afterwards in such good form.

Mike from England

WOW!!!

Had heard of this and went to see it by chance and was blown away by such a fantastic musical. Michael Ball heads a fabulous cast and credit must be given to all of them. We were sat by the musical director and watching him joining in to the infectious music says it all. And the soul number from Miss Moneybags was my favourite number.

Karen Stuchbury from Kent, UK

"HAIR-TASTC"

Loved the film but this stage show was absolutely amazing. Can't get the songs out of our heads especially "Momma I'm A Big Girl Now". What amazed me more was the freshness of the characters, it was as if it was the first week of opening. They all put their hearts and souls into it. I took my 9 year old daughter and she is already begging for a 2nd trip (not that I need convincing). A big thank you to all for a spectacular afternoons entertainment.

Mary from england

A MUST SEE SHOW

just been to see this show for a second time and loved it just as much if not more than the first would happily go again. the music the dancing the whole atmosphere is electric. it has an amazing cast all adding to the enjoyment of the show. leanne jones is an amazing new talent and michael ball is fabulous and looks to be enjoying it as much as the audience well done to all of you

Wendy from london

HAIRSPRAY

This show is absolutely amazing I have now been 3 times and will soon be making it a 4th. Love Michael Ball and everyone else is fabulous. The songs are so great you just cant stop singing them.

Rich n Sue Bowman from Seaton Devon.

HAIRSPRAY. WITH AND WITHOUT MICHAEL BALL.

With Michael in May. Fabulous! With Michaels understudy (Sorry do not know your name) 2nd of August. Fabulous! Thank you all, cast,orchestra and crew, for a great show.

J Carver from Co Durham UK

**** FANBLOODYTASTIC ****

After seeing the film this was a must see show and we were not disappointed! A supremely professional show in which every performer put their heart and souls. Michael Ball was absolutely hysterical in his best scene where he could 'feel the bells'! Superb singing and dancing from all of the cast but the star of the show for us was Ben Ellis, who we'd seen dancing in the auditions of 'Joseph' and boy did he dance! Can't wait to see him again. An excellent mix of song, dance and humour with a good moral ending. Toes tapping from start to finish and for us a standing ovation well and truly deserved. Please see it and enjoy!!

Peter from Rayleigh, Essex

PETER

Absolutely fantastic show!! saw the show on 6th September.Had me grinning from the moment the show started .Have been laughing out loud ever since each time I recall Michael Ball andIan Talbot's hilarious show stopper '' Timeless to me 'in the second half.Great feelgood show go and see it.

Mark from Belfast

FANTASTIC! A MUST SEE SHOW!

I went to Hairspray as my first West End experience (although I saw Phantom the night before) and I was not disappointed. The cast were fantastic, the songs catchy, the dances engaging and the laughs kept on coming. If you've never been to the West End before this is the show to see. If you have been then this will only heighten your experience. Michael Ball had me in stitches with his portrayal of Edna. Charlotte Riby was fantastic as Tracy (If she's the understudy the main actress must be brilliant). The voices were phenomonal. I will definatly be returning to see this show in the not too distant future. If you do nothing else, go see Hairspray.

Anonymous from London

A MUST SEE

I came out singing and haven't stop yet. The cast are all amazing and I think it is definitely one of the best performances i've seen in a long time. Michael Ball as ever never lets you down.

UK from Anytown, AT 55555

A MUST SEE SHOW

I took my daughter to see this show last night for her 1st West End musical experience. We both thouroughly enjoyed it! Michael Ball was extremely funny and the rest of the cast were fantastic!

Carol from Wales, UK

EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS!

Having front row seats made this show even more special. I felt I was part of it. Tracy was amazing and the Edna and Wilber duet was a hilight for me. One of the most enjoyable productions I have ever witnessed. Michael Ball - Outstanding.

Naomi Hemingway from Marsden, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England

XXNAOMIXX

three words fab u lous ! ! ! :) :D

Anonymous from welling

AMAZING!!

Absolutley fan-bloody-tantastic shame that we missed the first 10 mins cos we studiply thought that Shaftsbury theatre was on shaftsbury avenue, doh!! But loved every minute of it, never was a fan of Michael Ball until I saw him in this, he makes the show!!

Jo from Essex

FANTASTIC

What a great show we saw last night! Took my 11yr old daughter who thought it was fantastic too! Sat in row C at the front which was great really felt part of the show! It was so lively made you want to dance in the isles! All the cast performed fantasticly cannot pick out anyone in particular. Great music, Great voices well done to you all.

Cat White from London

BEST NIGHT EVER

Wow! How fantastic was last night!! Cheap tickets on ticketfix but FAB seats, an AWESOME show, Michael and Leanne were both jaw-droppingly good. I've already booked my tickets for next time!

Caroline Searle from UK

UNDERSTUDY LIGHTS UP THE STAGE!

The show last night was fabulous. Charlotte Riby as Tracy was brilliant, the stage shone everytime she was on, the same goes for the rest of the cast. The energy that came off that stage whipped the audience into a frenzy before the curtain went up and was still there long after the standing ovation. Verity Rushworth's debut in a West End production will not be her last - her comedy timing and beautiful voice were sublime. Ben James-Ellis certainly got the younger audience's attention and his dancing skills were fab! Michael Ball is great and the humour between the Turnblads had us all in stitches. Our seats were excellent, thanks to a special offer so it felt like we were on the stage with the cast. If you only have time/money to go and see one West End show then I can't recommend Hairspray enough - grab a can of hairpsray and make your way to the Shaftesbury Theatre!

Hayley Curran-Prosser from Wareham, Dorset

HAIRSPRAY

Oh my god..Hairspray was amazing i went on the 12th of feb the 3pm show and i loved every minute of it... then when we went to the stage door we saw Ben it was amazing it was like a dream meeting him, the musical was much better than the film and i love the film! I came with my youth club from Wareham, Dorset and we all thought it was amazing! I will be there again before july and i hope this time i will get to meet Adrian in person :) xx

Tom from UK

YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT!

From start to finish Leanne Jones, Michael Ball, Ben James-Ellis and the soul queen Johnnie Fiori carry this musical through all expectations. Being a budding Musical Theatre Performer, I have been waiting for Hairspray! to reach the UK. When it finally did, back in 2007, I was right there watching it. I have seen it 3 times since, and it never fails to win my heart. It truely is the best show in London. If you're looking for a cure for depression or you're in town, just go and watch it. This cast deserve a Cast Recording. The OBC Recording just doesn't do this production justice!

Evan Mc G from clondalkin,dublin,ireland

FANTASTIC

funny and brilliant,up lifting and heart warming with catchy songs it will have you up out of your seats dancing and singing with the wonderful cast that pour out there hearts and souls on the stage and make you feel welcome.the cast were so happy to get pictures taken and signing your programs i would give it a 5 star rating and a 10/10 and would definetly go see it again.i would like to thank the cast for their wounderful preformance and effort thank you

Jim Williams from South Wales

ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS BEST

This was a wonderful production in which every member of cast seemed to be enjoying themselves. What ever problems you might have had on entering the theatre were forgotten for the duration of the show. Michael Ball was fabulous as were all the cast! Bravo!

Katie from England

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

you get into the hairspray spirit from the moment you see the theatre, the decor is fab ! then you walk in and are greeted by welcoming people and then you sit down,relax and get blown away by the show, the whole cast is amazing,ben james ellis is really hot and tracy turnblad is the perfect person for her character !! i came out of the show with my mates singing and dancing wishing we could stay and see it again!!! trust me you HAVE to see this !! if you dont you will regret it ! the whole show puts the dvd to shame. The cast look and sound so good. trust me its 3 days later and im still singing the songs and going YAY I LOVE HAIRSPRAY !!!!!!!!!! whooooooooo

Masuen from Sachsen, Germany

EINFACH GROßARTIG!

Wir haben im April 2009 das Musical Hairspray gesehen und waren begeistert. Ein Musical mit hohem Spaßfaktor. Die Darsteller waren grandios! Für Kinder bestens geeignet. Musik, die mitreißt und gute Laune verspricht! Das Theater ist wunderschön.

Brad Evans from London, England

AMAZING!!!!!!!!

Oh my god! Its amazing. The best musical i've ever seen. Funny, fun, colourful, joyful and a lot more. I'd go and see it again if i could! I would highly recomend this to everyone. It great for the whole family. In Michael Balls' words THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE WITH HAIRSPRAY! and i agree. You've got to go and see it . If you don't youll regret it.

Susan from Leeds UK

FANTASTIC!!

Booked online, collected tickets with ease. Friendly staff at Theatre. Good seats. It was Brian Conley's first night - FANTASTIC!! We are still laughing & singing. Go see it!!

Marie from Paris, France

A WONDERFUL SHOW

My daughter wanted to see a musical that she could understand as she doesn't speak english very well and she already saw the movie in the past. I must say that I bought quite reluctantly the tickets as I love theater and operas but not that much musicals. But at the end of the show, I really thanked her for having brought me there. Just incredible to see so many vocal talents in one show. A marvelous evening.

Andrea from UK

FAB TIME AT HAIRSPRAY

My hubby treated me to tickets for my birthday and I have just come back from the matinee performance today. It was fantastic from the minute the music started right till the final moment. It is definitely a must see. The cast were fabulous and I loved Brian Conley in the Edna role. I'm a big fan of his and he was just amazing and very funny. It was a brilliant show and I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to see a great show.

Elizabeth james from kent england

BRILLIANT

Absolutly Brilliant Brain Conally & Nigel Planer were fab very funny too.took my Daughter for her 13 birthady we loved every single second .Thank you .

John stoddard from chesterfield

BRILLIANT

Absolutely superb, Phil Jupitus was great and what superb legs lol

Jim Hannah from Scotland

FANTASTIC ENTERTAINMENT

This was my first visit to a show in London and what a spectacular performance by all those involved . Brian Connelly was a hoot , what a star. Every one from the leading lady to all the dancers ,extras were excellent. Will remember always this fabulous show.

D Mackenzie from LONDON

HELPFUL STAFF

I Went to see the show 25th feb eve perf. My husband is Disabled and walks with a stick. A member of the security staff quickly observed us and was more than helpful seating us in more appropriote sets for my husbands needs. With this as well as the show being top class for he 1st time in a long time we both had a wonderful evening. I belive the mans name to be steven. So Steven may mant thanks.

Anonymous from Anytown, AT 55555

14TH JANUARY 2008 PERFORMANCE

All the cast especially Leanne Jones and Michael Ball were fantastic and the show was great fun. The experience though was slightly marred by the non appearance of Mel Smith and no announcement that he would not be in the show. The understudy was great and the role is fairly small but still a disappointment after travelling some distance to see him together with Michael Ball.

Anonymous from potters bar , England

WOW

i went to watch this show with my school and i thought it was absolutly amazing i really would like to see it again the singing was amazing and the dancers were brilliant , the only reason i did not give it 5 stars was how hot it was in the theatre wear vest tops soo you dont get hot haha, but overall it was amazing and i would recomend it to anyone even if they havent seen the film because i didnt and by watching this performance it has made me buy the film on dvd GOOOO SEEE :)

Sally Dolton from Norfolk, England

FUN AND LAUGHTER LIKE NEVER BEFORE

As a treat my mother and I decided to go and see Hairspray, in the West End. We were slightly apprehensive about dropping £60 each on a ticket but it was truly worth the money. The settings were brilliant and and visual treat. The actors were incredible, especially Micheal Ball in a fabulous and worryingly convincing, portryal of Edna. The dance routines were beautifully chereographed and expertly carried out. The hair was, well big and some fantastic wig creations were on show. We were singing, smiling and laughing all the way through and would thorougly recommend it to anyone. Young or old, male or female. The only tarnish on the whole experience was that we bought the 'original cast recording,' assuming it to be the cast we had just watched. It, however, was the substandard Broadway recording and we were duely disappointed. I will leave you with a word of warning, when buying anything at the performance check it carefully before you spend, you might not get what you thought.

Linda Spencer from United Kingdom

UNEXPECTED PLEASURE

I was invited by a friend to go see it in london....it wasn't my choice of a London show but I was going....the seats were not good! but then the show started...the music, the atmosphere and the actors.....absolutely brilliant, I was dancing in my seat! I had not watched the video so it was all brand new.....loved it, have ordered the cd and I can't stop singing the tunes...loved it, loved it, loved it...just go and see it, please bring it to Sheffield or Nottm or both! xxx

Natanddan1 from Ascot UK

GREAT SHOW BUT!!!

Thought this show was every bit as good as the reviews stated. Energetic from start to finish with some great ad-lib from M Ball. The reason it lost 1 star was only that the theater was so hot it was very uncomfortable for all! everyone was complaining as there was no airconditioning which went some way to putting a down side to the evening. Theater sold lots of drinks though!!!!!!!!!!!(Mmmm makes you think?)

Abi from UK

IT WAS GOOD.

Ok. I prefered wicked, mayb hairspray just isn't my type. Dont get me wrong, energetic, lively, and funny! But 1 it was to cold where we were sitting, we had to wear coats! and 2, we couldnt understsand some of the lyrics! great family lively performance though!

Emily from UK london

PROFESIONAL!!!

yeah yeah yeah it was fab and all that.. but havent any of you looked at it from a performance point of view..that was meant to be a professional production?? late sound cues, awful lighting and very poor understudy for link!!! was good...should have been amazing!!

Ian from Poole Dorset

VERY OVERATED

After looking forward to the show what a disappointment some good performances BUT considering I could have had a weekend away for the price of the tickets 😂 Spend your money elsewhere Many far superior shows

Shelley from UK

TOO LOUD AND BORING

Sound is deafening, too loud. Very slow first half. Phil Jupitus big on girth low on musical talent.

Gerald Sage from London, England

TREMENDOUS, ALLEGEDLY, IF YOU CAN SEE THE STAGE AND DISCERN THE PLOT

Sadly the box we were in was too small for the four large chairs. Consequently I was at the back with no view of the stage unless I stood up and leaned forward, in which case I could just see the far end. The sound was deafening, impossible to make out any words, or indeed individual melodies. Occasionally the cacophony would stop, to rapturous applause. There was no Michael Ball, or indeed Phill Jupitus or other superstar or comedian to my knowledge, which may have contributed to a lack of lustre, though the understudy was probably competent. The costumes were bright and the sets, er, also bright. The Coliseum is an architectural gem, particularly the ceiling of which we had an excellent view.

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