HAIRSPRAY

One of the great joys of being a Rep is to set off to see a show you are not quite sure about and leave completely converted by a fantastic production as was the case with this production, one if not the best amateur productions I have seen. The task of reporting on such a wonderfully cast production is very difficult as they were all so brilliant. Tracy Turnblad (Charlotte Hucknall) must, I think, take top honours with her outstanding exuberant portrayal of singing dancing and acting - eight big numbers, a stupendous task. Link (Matt Roddis) -  I saw his wonderful Bat Boy performance and I think his Link was even better singing, dancing and acting with supreme confidence and quality. Edna Turnblad (Donald McInnes) and Wilbur Turnblad (Ian Fryer) both giving memorable performances, their 'Timeless to Me' number was absolute magic, their very funny add-libs reduced them and the audience to tears. Motormouth Maybelle (Rachel Marshall) her rendition of 'I Know Where I've Been' was just simply majestic, it could not have been better. Velma Von Tussle (Jane Hubert) and Amber Von Tussle (Georgia Collins) were just perfect as the very ambitious mother and very bitchy daughter and more star quality performances came from Kirsty Taylor (Penny Pingleton) and Reece Raymond (Seaweed J.Stubbs) both displaying fine natural ability for musical song and dance roles and Ashley Booker (Corny Collins) the Corny Collins Show Owner was very commanding and confident displaying a fine vocal talent. The orchestra was very well controlled and gave a fine accompanyment for the principals. The show benefitted from good costumes, excellent lighting and sound with some very high standard choreography. This was a brilliant show.   

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