Review: Hairspray, Bristol Hippodrome

On a bitterly cold night in Bristol, the chill wind was enough to make your hair stand on end. However, this revival of the musical based on the original 1988 John Waters movie turned the blowers on full blast to warm even the coldest of spirits.

Hairspray first opened on Broadway in 2002. It has been delighting audiences for nearly 20 years since, and this latest incarnation certainly does not fall flat. It is 1962 and Tracy Turnblad, played by newcomer Katie Brace, sets the scene – singing ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ in her bedroom as she dreams of dancing her way onto national TV. There is, however, a big problem. Not only is her hairdo outsized, but so is the rest of her. Fortunately, the biggest part of her is her heart.

Most mainstream musicals would be ill-equipped to make any serious commentary about racial politics, but Hairspray is strangely ahead of the curve and the fight for equality that Tracy puts her weight behind strikes a real chord. On the Corny Collins Show, the all-white dancers are only joined by black dancers once a month on what is referred to as ‘Negro Day’. Tracy is determined to fight for equality alongside prejudice against her size and the battle commences against producer Velmva Von Tussle and her equally vile daughter Jessica who want to exclude Tracy and her newfound friends.

The leads are unequivocally excellent, but the whole ensemble doesn’t put a foot wrong either. There are both laughs and tears in abundance, and there isn’t a hair out of place during the wonderfully effervescent dance routines.

Hairspray dancers – photo: Darren Bell

Alex Bourne in the Dame part of Tracy’s mother Edna, and Norman Pace as her dad Wilbur are a perfect pairing and the warmth between them is nicely observed, not least in the touching yet humorous routine ‘You’re timeless to me’ which had the audience in stitches.

The arrival of Brenda Edwards as Motormouth Maybelle is greeted with a roar and her rousing rendition of the civil rights-infused ‘I know where I’ve been’ had the Bristol audience yelling their approval.

Expert direction by Paul Kerryson and choreography by Drew McOnie spray a super firm hold over proceedings, alongside dazzling highlights from lighting designer Philip Gladwell.

Richard Meek as Corny Collins and Ross Clifton as local wannabe Elvis heartthrob Link Larkin are perfectly cast. On the night understudies Zoe Heighton as Tracy’s friend, the pigeon-toed duckling Penny Pingleton, and Shaquille Brush as sliding and gliding Seaweed provide fantastically slick support and deserve more showings on this performance.

Scene changes go at full pelt and the costumes and tempo are certainly not lacking in lacquer.

Katie Brace as Tracy Turnblad, photo: Darren Bell

However, the star of the show is without doubt newcomer Katie Brace, who shines bright in her professional debut. She perfectly captures the mood, charm, and naivety of Tracy with her big hair and frizzy enthusiasm. This is the perfect role to launch what will surely be a fabulously glossy career.

And as for the finale, you will find no split ends, just a foot stomping, heart-warming tale of redemption. The whole cast’s rendition of ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ brought the Hippodrome audience to their feet. This show is a tonic – and not just for your hair, but your body and mind, too.

Hairspray is at Bristol Hippodrome at 7.30pm daily, and 2.30pm matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday, until November 27. Tickets are available at www.atgtickets.com.

Main photo: Darren Bell

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