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Tracy played by Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby and Neil Hurst as Edna. Pictures: Ellie Kurttz Hairspray Birmingham Hippodrome ***** Hairspray burst onto the Birmingham Hippodrome stage last night in a riot of high-energy song, dance and colour. Fans of the show were present in abundance, and they were determined to have a good time. They were not disappointed. It would take even the most hardhearted audience member not to be won over this hugely talented cast. Yes, there were outstanding performances from the principals, but it was the ensemble teamwork which was the true star of the show. The musical itself is based on John Waters’ 1988 film of the same name, and the film soon became a cult-classic. In 2002 the stage musical premiered in Seattle and arrived on Broadway 2003 where it won eight Tonys. It finally arrived in London in 2007, the same year in which a film version was made. The stage version was an instant success, and over the following years it did numerous UK and US tours, before, finally, there was a West End revival in 2021. The show opens in 1962 Baltimore, and introduces us to our heroine Tracy Turnblad, an overweight schoolgirl and her best friend Penny. Their main joy in life is to watch a teenage TV dance show called The Corny Collins Show. One day there is an announcement that there will be an audition for the show, and of course our plucky Tracy auditions and is successful. As Tracey becomes increasingly famous, petty jealousies surface from the other ‘thinner’ girls on the show.
Edna with Dermot Canavan shone as Wilbur Turnblad Reflecting the racial politics of the era black performers are only allowed on the show once a month, and that day is appallingly called Negro Day. Tracy organises a protest against this. Which turns into a riot, and subsequently she is arrested and imprisoned. However, as with all good musicals, everything turns out right in the end. Black dancers are allowed on to the show permanently, Tracy flourishes and finds her place in the world and love with Lance, and her mother Edna goes from agoraphobic housewife to a cult diva. This is a lively and fun show, chocablock with high-octane 1960s style musical numbers. Last night the mood was infectious and the audience were literally unable to Stop the beat of a feet-stamping, hand-clapping, body-shaking finale. Yet we should consider the more serious themes which run beneath the surface. The challenges are those of being different. Tracy’s isolation as an outsider because of her weight, and her daring to be an individual. Then, there is the underlying racism of that era, and the beginnings of black emancipation. And of course, Edna is always played in drag, underlying the usual expectations of femininity and another sense of equality by being ‘different’. In the John Waters’ film Edna was played by the outrageous drag queen Divine, and in the 2007 film by non-other than John Travolta. On stage by Michael Ball and Harvey Fierstein with Fierstein, who also appeared in a live TV version, being my favourite.
Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth In this production, Edna was played by Neil Hurst with sincerity and authenticity, making his Edna totally lovable and realistic. Tracy played by Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby had the perfect balance of cuteness and courage, and was perfectly matched by a lovely caricature from Freya McMahon as her best friend Penny A trio of strong female talent gave stirling performances with Allana Taylor as Amber, Joanne Clifton as Velma, and Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth who wowed the audience with her stunning solo, I Know Where I've Been, in Act two. Declan Egan as Corny Collins had just the right amount of smarm And charm. Whilst Solomon Davy was suave and sexy as Link. Dermot Canavan shone as Wilbur Turnblad, sharing his years of experience as a polished and seasoned performer. His duet with Edna, You’re timeless to me, in the second half stopped the show, and he proves there is nothing like years of experience to make a number seem effortless. Praise should also go to the Director Pauhttps://www.behindthearras.com/Reviewspr/2024/reviewsPRjune-Sept24/Reviewspr/reviewlogo.jpgl Kerryson, currently Artistic Director and Chief Executive at Buxton Opera House, who has devoted his whole career to musical theatre, and is still remembered for his time as autistic director at the Forum Theatre, Wythenshawe, Manchester, where he produced some amazing musicals. Hairspray is on tour across the UK through until 2025, and if you want a first rate night out then this production is well worth a visit. To 21-09-24. Jonathan Owen 17-09-24 |
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