(AD – PRESS NIGHT) HAIRSPRAY HULL NEW THEATRE REVIEW
MONDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2024 @ 7.30PM
HULL NEW THEATRE
**** 4/5
My last press night of the year just happened to be one of my all-time favourite musicals, Hairspray. It’s been some time since I’ve seen it on stage but it’s always a great night out. Here is my Hairspray Hull New Theatre review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
As I said above, Hairspray is in my top 10 movie musicals (the 2007 version) due to the amazing soundtrack and the perfect casting. It’s also Zac Efron’s best film (and look) and it’s such an important period piece too. I remember seeing the film at the cinema, running straight to HMV to buy the soundtrack and then going back to the cinema a couple of days later again.
I’ve seen the stage show before but I think it was a few years ago. I’m pretty sure I saw Marcus Collins as Seaweed and Mark Benton as Edna Turnblad! I was super excited to see a new tour of the musical as right now, it feels like the plot is even more relevant than ever.
THE CAST
The musical revolves around our leading lady Katie Brace as teenager Tracy Turnblad. It’s one thing to put in an incredible performance as a triple threat but Brace had amazing comic timing and looked like she was genuinely enjoying herself!
Her parents, Edna and Wilbur, played by Neil Hurst and Dermot Canavan, provided even more laughs. There were a couple of times when it felt like they went off script and the audience lapped it up! Their duet of You’re Timeless to Me gave them both a starring turn.
Solomon Davy as Link Larkin was exactly what you’d expect in a leading man: crazy talented, very handsome and star quality to boot. He really did give Zac Efron a run for his money and I don’t say that lightly!
My favourite in the cast was Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle. Her rendition of I Know Where I’ve Been was nothing short of spectacular.
THE PRODUCTION
The ensemble once again made this show what it is, moving swiftly from Corny Collins Show cast members to just about every other character on stage. I personally would’ve loved a larger ensemble as it didn’t feel too grand. However, they definitely did their job more than well enough and covered every inch of the stage!
I was thrilled for a live band but they were only revealed right at the end at the back of the stage! I personally love it when shows have the band on stage or at least visible but that’s just personal taste.
The soundtrack is still as amazing as I remember, considering it’s one of my most played soundtracks. Compared to the movie musical, I love the addition of Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now. I still think Ladies’ Choice should be introduced to the stage show though!
My favourite part of the show had to be the costuming. Everything is so appropriate for the 60s theme and the stage was filled with bright colours in every scene. I was also a big fan of the choreography but once again wished the stage was big enough for more dancers!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I don’t think I’ll ever not enjoy a night watching Hairspray. The storyline will always be poignant, considering the way the world is going right now. The songs have also stood the test of time. I mean with Shaiman and Wittman at the helm, they always will! They also did the music for Smash (the TV show and now the Broadway musical) so I have a soft spot for them!
If you’re looking for a fun night out with a top-notch cast, Hairspray is the show for you. It can be enjoyed by people of any age too! It’s on tour until April too, with the rest of the dates here.
If you enjoyed my Hairspray Hull New Theatre review, you can read my other theatre reviews here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok too.
