Hairspray

On the last night of the show run, the cast burst on to the stage with energy and confidence and sustained it to the end. This was a well- cast show with strong characterisation, fast movement, good singing and big sounds. The leading light was Shelley Procek who gave her all in a believable and unifying performance as Tracy Turnblad.  Her sensible approach was clear when set against Iona Turnbull as the perky, defiant Penny Pingleton and Stephanie de Placido as the spoiled, demanding rich girl Amber Von Tussle .   Likewise, contrast was clear between the mothers, the scheming, pushy Velma Von Tussle played by Kirsty Meikle who squeezed every inch of arrogance into her role, and the loving, worn down, conforming Edna played manfully by Darren Tasker.   Another mother Katie Gardiner gave a powerful  and realistic performance as Motormouth Maybelle.  The men also showed their mettle with Ian Davidson as the oscillating Link Larkin, Maurice Pryke as the dancer Seaweed J. Stubbs, Kenny Walker as the comical Wilbur Turnblad and Darren Jalland as the swanky showman Corny Collins.  All principals, main and minor, were as accomplished in their singing as their acting.  The chorus was well rehearsed and clearly enjoyed themselves in wigs and costumes that transformed them to the 60’s.  All the cast’s roles were enhanced by clever movement and mannerisms, which came through the rhythms of speech and song but which clearly illustrated their different backgrounds. The scenery complemented the action and the orchestra being on stage like a show band accompanied the singing rather than overwhelming it.  They certainly made showstoppers of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ at the start and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ at the end.  The production team and cast can take great pride in this Scottish Premier performance.

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