Hairspray

This fast moving story of segregation and integration set to the dance music of 1960s is a follow-up of a film of the same name from 1988. Although I have heard many of the songs from this, it is the first time that I have seen a full production since its début in 2007. I feel that I have missed out for several years the joy and experience of such a tremendous show. This talented Horsham group, inspired by their director, Adam Collins, presented a wonderful evening’s entertainment as they sang the many great songs and danced through practically all of the action. The choreography was well in keeping for the 1960s (I was there) and seemed incessant. The synchronisation of the moves was outstanding. The fifteen-strong band under the direction of Neil Franks accompanied the stage cast expertly. Lighting and sound were as usual executed with precision. The scenery was a hired set but bright and cheerful and easily managed. Costumes were also well in keeping with the times.

The central character, Tracy Turnblad (Lizzie Alderton), was on stage for the majority of the evening and confidently led much of the singing. She was supported equally well by members of her family, friends, TV station personnel and the record shop frequenters. Her family, that is her mother and father, Edna Turnblad (Martin Bracewell) and Wilbur Turnblad (Chris Dale) had a scene at the beginning of act 2 which was comical and took us away briefly from some of the seriousness of the political situation. Her group of friends included Penny Pingleton (Maisy Sinclair) and her mother Prudy (Debbie Henshall) and  Seaweed J Stubbs (Miles Mader).  Also at that venue were Amber von Tussle (Natalie Davies) and mother Velma (Stacey James) - these two played the part of not her friends but in fact of her nemeses. At the TV station she met the host, Corny Collins (Billy Humphreys) and heart throb, Link Larkin (Dominic Batchelor).  Motormouth Maybelle (Claude East) from the record shop sang an amazing “I know where I’ve been”. All of these above characters were very well cast and acted their parts well.

One of the best pointers to the fact that you have seen a good production is when you go out of the theatre humming some of the best tunes. This was the case last Wednesday. Congratulations to all involved with the show - you are a tremendous crew and production team. It was a very enjoyable two and three-quarter hours of entertainment.

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