Milton Keynes Theatre – until 20 July 2019
Reviewed by Alex Sykes
5*****
Set in 1960s America, at the height of the Vietnam war, Hair tells the story of a tribe of Hippies in New York.
The audience are first introduced to Berger (Jake Quickenden) who is one of the more vocal members of the tribe. Along with Berger there is also Claude (Paul Wilkins) who has been enlisted into the army to help with the war that the rest of the tribe are against. Joining then are Jeanie, a pregnant hippy, Sheila, who loves Berger, and various other members of the tribe.
The songs are short and catchy and add to the story, and the audience sang along with Let The Sunshine In as everyone seemed to know it. The staging is basic, with the background being made up of lots of ribbons. The band are also on stage in tents and shelters which have been made to look like the rest of the hippie commune.
The story is easy to follow and portrays a serious matter in a comical way with the cast interacting with the audience, especially in the finale when audience members are invited on to the stage. The only questionable part is why the first act ends with every one naked on stage.
All in all a good night out with plenty of songs to keep you singing for days afterwards