Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until the 18th January 2025
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
Hairspray is a heart warming Masterpiece. Vibrant, Funny and Uplifting!
Set in 1960’s Baltimore, bubbly teenager Tracy Turnblad and is obsessed with the ‘Corny Collins Show’, a talent search broadcast on a local TV network, and has a crush on one of its male lead dancers, Link Larkin. When one of the performers has to leave the show for a certain …. maternal amount of time, to Tracy’s joy, the show announces open auditions and Tracy desperately ties to get in, against her mothers wishes. Immediately rejected by the TV show’s ruthless producer Velma Von Tussle for how she looks, Tracy is crushed, but a chance meeting in school detention sees her meeting and befriending a group of black students who know all too well what it’s like to be judged on appearance. Friendships turn into drive for change, as the group hatch a plan to try and knock down the walls and make ‘The Corny Collins Show’ integrated so that everyone can all dance together. But Tracy learns that some minds refuse to change, and that changing while remaining true to yourself isn’t an easy road to travel.
Directors Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson have nailed the infectious positivity that this musical is known for, while not forgetting to show its heart. I loved the use of comedy throughout; you can see just how much craft the Directors have put into creating this masterpiece together with the stunning choreography from Drew McOnie.
From the moment the curtain rises, you’re pulled into that world of high energy choreography, strong vocals and catchy tunes. Excitement filled the theatre as the opening beat began and the curtain revealed the iconic bed on stage and Tracy belted out a tremendous rendition of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’.
The role of Tracy is as big as her trademark hair, and Katie Brace does a fantastic job leading the show, full of wide-eyed daydreaming and immense likeability, with a fantastic voice as well. Her performance was brimming with that signature Tracy charm, particularly in ‘I Can Hear The Bells’. This was made even more memorable thanks to Solomon Davy’s portrayal of Link Larkin – his puppet like movements during the scene was well-choreographed and perfectly delivered.
Penny Pingelton, the quirky and lovable best friend, was brilliantly brought to life by Freya McMahon. For someone making her professional debut, her portrayal was flawless and is a master of physical comedy – she captured Penny’s innocence and goofy charm to perfection.
Kirsty Sparks and Allana Taylor are splendidly spiteful as Velma and Amber Von Tussle and as well as being great antagonist, Taylor has a wonderful tone.
A scene that had the audience in stitches was the duet between Neil Hurst as Edna Turnblad and Dermot Canavan as Wilbur Turnblad. Their performance of ‘Timeless to Me’ was packed with comedic timing and tenderness, a real showstopper that had everyone laughing out loud. This was without a doubt the highlight of the night for me. Neil Hurst, in particular, captured that larger than life personality that made Edna such a favourite character.
When it comes to power ballads, Motormouth Maybelle played by Michelle Ndegwa stole the spotlight with her stunning rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’. Her vocals were incredible and the raw emotion in her performance made it a truly unforgettable moment.
Another high note was the ensemble cast who nailed every moment, and the beautiful vocals of Grace Anyiam and Vanessa Dumatey. Also, the scene with the three girls – Tracy, Amber and Penny – alongside their mothers was also a particular high.
The set was cleverly done with the rolling sets used for Tracy’s home and her Dad’s joke shop. During the Corny Collins show I loved how the live band was also revealed as this makes it much more personable when you can see where the love music is coming from.
The production of Hairspray is truly a feel good extravaganza. There’s so much to love about the show, with its fantastic characters and catchy songs, but it’s the heart and soul of the musical that really make it sing, and this production captures them perfectly. It thoroughly deserved the standing ovation and I’d highly recommend getting tickets while you can.