Hairspray

This production of "Hairspray" by Huddersfield Light Opera Company at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield was nothing short of spectacular. The entire cast and crew delivered a performance that was both vibrant and heartwarming, fully capturing the essence of this beloved musical.

"Hairspray" is a musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. It is based on John Waters' 1988 film of the same name. "Hairspray" continues to be one of the most widely produced musicals today, celebrated for its wit, charm and message of acceptance and progress.

Tori Taylor shone as Tracy Turnblad, bringing infectious energy and charm to the role. Tori opening number as Tracy was a perfect start to the show. Her energy and enthusiasm set the tone for the entire performance, drawing the audience into Tracy's world with a smile.

Jonny Kain's portrayal of Edna Turnblad was both humorous and touching. Much more reminiscent of the original Edna played by the much missed Divine, Jonny looked like he was living his best life and the tender and humorous duet between Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, was a touching moment that showcased their chemistry and comedic timing. It provided a lovely contrast to the more energetic numbers and added depth to their characters.

Dom Moccia's Link Larkin was charismatic and engaging. As the fame searching wannabe, Dom gently took the audience through his character arc with skill and poise.

Oluwalonimi Owoyemi's performance as Seaweed J. Stubbs was electrifying. His powerful vocals and impressive dance moves brought every moment to life, making him one of the most memorable characters of the evening.

Isabelle Barker was delightful as Penny Pingleton. Her ability to convey Penny's growth from a timid girl to a confident young woman was impressive. Barker's comedic timing and  vocal talent was a joy.

Tom Widdop's Corny Collins was the epitome of showbiz flair. His ability to balance the character's charm and progressive ideals made Corny relatable and real.

Ella Midgley and Sharon Whitehead were perfectly cast as Amber and Velma von Tussle, respectively, bringing the right amount of sass and villainy to their roles.

 Monique Slattery's Motormouth Maybelle was powerful and soulful, leaving a lasting impression. Big, Blonde, and Beautiful", Motormouth Maybelle's anthem of self-love and empowerment, encouraging everyone to embrace their true selves, was particularly memorable and impactful.

Colin Harris as Wilbur Turnblad and Anne-Marie Senior as Prudy Pingleton added depth and humour to their characters and Colin just has a face that makes you want to smile.

Eden Aliyu was charming as Little Inez, and the Corny Collins council members, including Ben Maffin, Kim Booth, Zoe LeFavre, Holly Baines, Ruby Ingram, Toby Kershaw, Honey-Joy Spivey, Emma Cameron, Imogen Dixon, Robin Walsh, and Imani Collier, brought the dance numbers to life with their enthusiasm and talent.

Grahame Whitehead as Mr. Pinky and Craig Squance as Harriman F. Spritzer added more comedic elements to the show.

Lauren Botchway-Clark, Kamira Innes, and Angela Gerald as The Dynamites were vocal powerhouses, delivering memorable singing performances. Louisa LeFavre as the school principal and matron, Steven Crowder as the gym teacher, Amy Blackburn as the prison guard, and Emily O'Sullivan as Lorraine all contributed to the rich tapestry of characters that made this production so enjoyable.

The Baltimore ensemble, including Katie Beadle, Chris Comber, Dan Fallows, Samuel Lockwood, Charlotte Whiteley, Abigail Webster, Adam Peel, Caroline Brough, Joe Brown, Shivonne Smith, Samantha Williamson, Emma Sykes, Teresa Malone, Beth Dickinson, Michelle Crossley, Aisling Martinicca, and Katie McKay. They all provided a strong support throughout the show, adding depth and vibrancy to the musical numbers.

Artistic Director Chris Brearley’s collaborative approach with the choreographers, musical director, and stage crew resulted in a cohesive and polished production. His ability to bring together the various elements of the show, choreography, music, set design, lighting, and costumes, demonstrated his skill as a director and his commitment to creating a unified and compelling theatrical experience.

Choreographers Pam Strickland and Zoe Cook made this production of "Hairspray" a visual feast, full of vibrant and intricate dance routines that perfectly captured the essence of the 1960s. The cast's execution of these dance numbers was impressive, showcasing their dedication and talent. The choreography added an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the show, making it a truly memorable experience for the audience.

Scott Kitchen's musical direction, along with his 15-piece orchestra, brought these songs to life with precision and flair. The orchestration was rich and dynamic, perfectly complementing the vocal performances and choreography. The music not only enhanced the storytelling but also created an exhilarating experience for the audience.

The set design by Scenic Projects Ltd, additional theatre lighting by Innovation Productions Ltd, and costumes by Charades Theatrical Costume Hire all contributed to the visual and auditory feast that was "Hairspray."

From the front of house to the stage crew, every member of the team played a crucial role in making this production a resounding success. The positive energy and dedication of everyone involved were palpable, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Congratulations to the entire team for delivering a joyous and uplifting performance that truly captured the spirit of "Hairspray” and you deserve all the applause this production will receive over its sell out week. As always, my deepest thanks for inviting me along to enjoy this amazing production.

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