Hairspray

Although I had heard some of the music from ‘Hairspray’, this was my first experience of this relatively new musical.  Set in Baltimore in the early sixties it is all about not judging a book by its cover.

From the very beginning the show exploded with great enthusiasm from all on stage. Lauren Fawcett sang with great charm and warmth as Tracy, and, together with Olivia Dell-Price, as her best friend Penny Pingleton, formed a formidable duo.  Jonathan Friesem was the larger than life TV star Link Larkin, and Caitlin Calgie portrayed with great style the controlling and prejudiced producer, Velma Von Tussie, shamelessly promoting daughter Amber, played by Hannah Mitchell.  Luc Van Der Voel, as Corny Collins, Ruby Hoggarth, as Motormouth Maybelle, Morgan Burgess, as Seaweed, and Georgia Wiiliams, as Li’l Inez all gave great support throughout.

The highlight of the show for me was Joseph Wetherell, as Tracy’s mother Edna.  He maintained his characterisation throughout, singing well, and was a sharp contrast to Jason Curia as the long suffering husband Wilbur.  Their duet Timeless to Me was an absolute joy.  There was good support from many other characters too numerous to mention, and the whole company sang and danced throughout with the usual charm and enthusiasm expected from Crash Bang Wallop.

The music was in the capable hands of Jeremy Harbottle, and the lively dancing choreographed by Emma Greenhalgh.  The set and costumes added great colour producing the final touches to a very entertaining evening.  Well done to Dan Brookes and all the team.

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