Hairspray

Thank you for inviting me to your vibrant and energetic production of Hairspray. Whilst the musical is a celebration of music and dance it is also story about rejection and exclusion, set in 1962 during the days of the civil rights movement in America and has an important message about the power of change. 

The director had clearly worked with the cast to develop their characterisations so that whilst they were recognisable from the film, they also made them their own. The action was slick and energetic, with very good use of the whole stage with everyone giving their all. He got the balance just right between the underlying political and racial issues and the frivolity of the show so that whilst we were aware of the awful prejudice in the 60’s, we were still thoroughly entertained. 

It was more than obvious that the MD had worked hard with the principals and ensemble so that this talented cast gave splendid performances. The quality of the singing and harmony was all excellent with each actor bringing character and style to their singing. They worked very well together in the group numbers with singing together with good balance and performance. Although I prefer a live band, the musical tracks were very good, and the MD had clearly worked with the cast so that they were always in time with the music and their entrances were spot on. The excellent choreography created the mood of the musical from the first number. The imaginative routines were engaging and energetic and in the style of the 1960’s. The choreographer, made good use of a variety of different dance moves and patterns which worked well for each of the musical numbers.

The show had been extremely well cast with some excellent performances from both the principals and the ensemble and everyone on stage looked to be having the best time.

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