Hairspray: Get to know the hit musical touring the UK
Time to let your hair down!
Last updated 12th Nov 2021
It's big, blonde, and beautiful and it's back touring the UK. Fans of Hairspray the musical will be delighted to know that the feel-good show has hit the road and could be coming to a theatre near you.
For all the information on how to get tickets, who's in the cast and where you can see the tour, read on and prepare to sing your heart out to all the classic hits!
What is Hairspray the musical about?
Set in Baltimore in 1962, Hairspray the musical sees chunky but funky 16 year old Tracy Turnblad set to make it on a local TV dance show, have her dream man fall for her and bring everyone together. Of course, Tracy faces a whole host of obstacles along the way. The only thing bigger than Tracy's dreams is her hair!
Who wrote Hairspray?
Thomas Meehan wrote Hairspray the musical and is also known for writing Annie and The Producers. Mark O'Donnell co-wrote the book with Thomas, Marc Shaiman wrote the music and also co-wrote the lyrics with Scott Whitman.
Who directed Hairspray?
The original Broadway production and the 2021 London revival were directed by Jack O'Brien. The three-time Tony Award winner also produced The Full Monty and has worked on some more contemporary dramas including The Invention of Love and The Piano Lesson.
The UK tour was directed by Paul Kerryson who is the former Artistic Director of Leicester's Curve Theatre.
He's directed various productions of Stephen Sondheim musicals such as Follies, Company, Sweeney Todd, Pacific Overtures, Into The Woods and Merrily We Roll Along. Other musicals he's directed include West Side Story, on Your Toes, Rent, The Wizard Of Oz, The Rocky Horror Show, 70 Girls 70 and Calamity Jane.
Where can I see Hairspray on tour?
The UK tour of Hairspray will be visiting Woking, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Sunderland, Cheltenham, Northampton, Bromley, Cardiff, Poole, Edinburgh, Dartford and Glasgow.
Who will star in the UK tour of Hairspray?
Brenda Edwards (Chicago, We Will Rock You, The X Factor, Loose Women and Songs of Praise) as Motormouth Maybelle, Norman Pace (ITV's The Hale and Pace Show) as Wilbur Turnblad, and Alex Bourne (Annie, Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You) as Edna Turnblad.
Also joining the cast is Katie Brace, who will make her professional stage debut as Tracy Turnblad, with Rebecca Thornhill as Velma, Richard Meek as Corny Collins, Ross Clifton as Link Larkin, Jessica Croll as Amber Von Tussle, Rebecca Jane Davies as Penny Pingleton and Charlotte St. Croix as Little Inez.
Is the Hairspray film based on the musical?
Hairspray the film is based on the musical and was released in 2007 with both the musical and the 2007 film based on the original 1988 comedy of the same name that was written by the legendary John Waters and starred the iconic drag queen, Divine as Edna.
How long is Hairspray the musical?
The show is two and a half hours long including an interval.
How can I get tickets for the Hairspray UK tour?
Tickets and venue information for the touring production of Hairspray are available from the Hairspray UK tour website.
Is Hairspray in London?
During the summer of 2021 a fabulous production of Hairspray ran in the at the London Coliseum which was a welcome addition to the West End following over a year of theatres being shut by the COVID-19 pandemic. The production closed in September 2021.
Who was in the 2021 West End cast of Hairspray?
Michael Ball as Edna Turnblad
Michael Ball returned to play Edna Turnblad in Hairspray the musical! The double Olivier Award-winning actor first took up the role of Edna Turnblad in 2008, Michael then toured across the UK in the role.
Michael has had an extensive career in theatre, television and as a recording artist. Starring in both the West End and on Broadway, Michael made his West End debut in the role of Marius in the original cast of Les Mis. Michael then went on to star in multiple productions including The Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd.
Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad
Lizzie Bea played the role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray the musical. Lizzie trained at the National Youth Theatre, the National Youth Music Theatre and the Nation Student Drama Festival, she previously starred in the UK tour of Kinky Boots playing the role of Pat.
Les Dennis as Wilbur Turnblad
Les joined the cast replacing Paul Merton, who had to withdraw after the show's postponement. Les' career in comedy, theatre, and television spans across 50 years. Les was a prominent face of Saturday Night television in the 80s and 90s appearing in the The Russ About Show, The Les Dennis Laughter Show and was the host of ITV's Family Fortunes from 1987 to 2002.
In recent years Les has appeared in various stage productions including some with the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as spending two years as a regular on Coronation Street after Hairspray he was right back at the Coliseum starring in the English National Opera's production of HMS Pinafore.
Marisha Wallace as Motormouth Mabel
Marisha Wallace played the role of Motormouth Mabel. You'll recognise Marisha for her roles in Waitress the musical and the incredible Effie White in Dreamgirls.
Marisha has also had a successful music career alongside performing on stage, most recently recording with Seal and James Blunt and being the special guest of Todrick Hall on during his performances in the UK and Amsterdam.
Jonny Aimes as Link Larkin
Heartthrob Link Larkin was played by Jonny Amies in Hairspray at the London Coliseum. Jonny is most known for his role as Sam in the hugely popular Netflix show Sex Education and fans of the show are excited to see him take to the stage!
Rita Simons as Velma Von Tussle
Rita Simons played Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray. The English actress is most known for her role in iconic soap EastEnders as well as a long career involving being in girlband Girls@Play, roles in London's Burning and Mile High and theatre performances in Legally Blonde the musical and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.
WATCH: The cast of Hairspray perform at Britain's Got Talent
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Everything you need to know about Waitress the musical
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