Hairspray comes to Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

THE West End and Broadway smash hit musical Hairspray will be on stage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre next week.

The musical tells the story of heroine Tracy Turnblad, who dreams of dancing her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin.

When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ’do?

Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name, which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters.

With music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman Marc Shaiman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, the stage production of Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 before going on to win eight Tony Awards.

The show then opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. Proving to be an international success, Hairspray has also played in South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China and Dubai. Following the musical’s phenomenal success on stage, a film of the musical was released in 2007 which starred John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden.

The creative team includes directors Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson, and choreography by Drew McOnie. Casting includes Neil Hurst (Edna Turnblad), Joanne Clifton (Velma Von Tussle), Michelle Ndegwa (Motormouth Maybelle), Soloman Davy (Link Larkin), Declan Egan (Corny Collins), Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby (Tracy Turnblad), Katlo (Little Inez), Reece Richards (Seaweed) and Allana Taylor (Amber Von Tussle).

Hairspray is on stage at the Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th January. Tickets are from £24.50. To book visit mayflower.org.uk or call the box office on 023 8071 1811.