Hairspray – Buxton Opera House

Great news for Buxton – Hairspray the musical is touring again. Directed by Paul Kerryson alongside Brenda Edwards, who is making her directorial debut, this toe tapping stalwart of musical theatre is gracing the stage once more. Having taken Broadway by storm back in the day and winning 8 Tony awards, Hairspray then moved to the West End where 4 Olivier awards were also achieved. Its safe to say that an audience’s high expectations will often precede this particular musical.

The story, set in the 60s is essentially about a group of teens who were fighting for equality at a time when segregation related to an individual’s colour was rife. Led by Tracy Turnblad and her family and friends, she managed to address this issue through her desire to dance on a popular TV show. The issue of an individual’s size and questioning their ability to dance also came into play. 

Neil Hurst performs the part of Edna Turnblad. Hurst was simply stunning as the larger-than-life Edna. Stage presence in abundance and comedic timing throughout Hurst is the perfect Edna. His duet with Dermot Canavan who played Edna’s husband Wilbur was hilarious- his ‘side eye’ to the audience at certain moments was very amusing.

Joanne Clifton stars as ‘Velma von Tussle’. Originally of Strictly Come Dancing fame she has since performed in other productions (The Adams family springs to mind in particular) Clifton is born to be on the stage. Her fierce angry characterisation of this part is well executed.

The warm and compassionate Tracy Turnblad was performed by Katie Brace. Brace embodied the essence of the musical. Engaged fully with all cast members and demonstrating her extremely strong vocals as well as dancing throughout, she was born to be on a musical theatre stage.

A special mention must go to Michelle Ndegwa who performed as ‘Motormouth Maybelle’. Hard to believe that this was her theatre debut as her outstanding soulful vocals suited the musical entirely. With many high-profile vocal performances to her name, she was clearly very popular with the audience when on stage.

Choreography throughout was faultless and acknowledgement must go to Drew Mconie for this. In a musical where every cast member dances this was quite a challenge and executed to perfection.

Costumes are bright and garish and in many ways enhanced the entire performance. Perhaps visually one of the most colourful arrays of costumes on stage in a musical. Takis, set and costume designer must be applauded for this.

A cliché it may be, but this musical has to be the definition of ‘feel good’. When you are amidst an audience of upbeat smiling faces it is a certainty that this musical is doing something right for people. Amidst all the frivolity and fun there are also messages threading through the production of tolerance and acceptance. An accomplishment indeed when a fun upbeat musical has the ability to do both of these things.

With dancing and a standing ovation to ‘You can’t stop the beat’ it was clear that the entire audience had a great night. It has to be said that there is little to dislike about Hairspray.

Hairspray is up there with the best of musical theatre. It is a show that is unquestionably joyous and is one of those musicals that simply has the ability to energise an audience from start to finish. The performance at Buxton tonight did not disappoint.

Hairspray continues to be big, bold and beautiful.

On until Saturday 29th March tickets can be purchased from www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk  

Reviewer: Angela Kelly

Reviewed: 26th March 2025

North West End UK Rating: