Originally a beloved 80’s movie, Hairspray was transformed into a hit stage musical back in 2002. Winning an impressive eight Tony Awards on Broadway and four Olivier’s this side of the pond, it has been thrilling audiences across the globe ever since. Twenty two years after its stage debut, a new tour has kicked off at Manchester Palace Theatre.
We meet Baltimore teenage schoolgirl Tracy Turnblad (Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby) who would do anything to get on her favourite TV dance show, The Corny Collins Show. When she is rejected at an open audition for her size and views on equality, she doesn’t take no for an answer. It’s 1962 and racial segregation is sadly the norm in Baltimore. Whilst the show does allow black dancers, this is reserved to one day a month for ‘Negro Day’. Unfazed by racist TV producer Velma Von Tussle (Gina Murray), Tracy takes it upon herself to make a change.
It is hard to believe this is Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby’s professional stage debut as Tracy Turnblad. The recent Italia Conti graduate delivered the role with heart, warmth and incredible vocals. Everyones eyes were on the brilliant Neil Hurst as Tracys mother, Edna. He was absolutely superb, holding the audience in the palm of his hand throughout. It was his hilarious duet of ‘(You're) Timeless to Me’ with onstage husband Wilbur (Dermot Canavan) that stole the show. It was impossible not to be charmed by the pair.
Marc Shaiman’s music is what sets the show apart, which has secured a legion of loyal fans over the last 22 years. From the opening bars of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ to the anthemic ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ you can’t help but fall in love with the award winning score.
What lets this incarnation of the show down are the production values. Little set exists, with a projection screen doing most of the heavy lifting. The scaled back production feels distinctly lacking in excitement with its design. There is a current trend in theatre to use more projection, which when done well can really elevate a show. Unfortunately here it didn’t pay off and felt a missed opportunity.
Whilst the show balances fun and moral issues, it is screaming out for a bold new revival to better speak to todays audiences. It would be interesting for the themes of racial equality to be more fearlessly tackled, perhaps even tackling trans issues as part of this. Being set in the same decade as the Stonewall Riots where legions of African American transgender women helped battle for equality, it would be an exciting addition to have greater representation to remain even more timely and relevant in 2024.
Despite its flaws, Hairspray is still a crowd pleasing night out at the theatre.
Hairspray is on at Manchester Palace Theatre until Saturday 27 July 2024.
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.
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