Review: Hairspray banishes the January blues at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

BIG, bold and beautiful – Hairspray at Mayflower Theatre Southampton is the perfect antidote to the January blues.

Bursting with feel good hits, dazzling dance routines and plenty of wit, the heart warming story follows teenage misfit Tracy Turnblad as she boldly pursues her dreams, and fights for a better world along the way.

Playing to a full house on Tuesday evening, the popularity of this exceptional musical has shown no sign of waning since it first appeared on the UK stage in 2007. Inspired by the original 1988 firm, the stage version opens in Baltimore in 1962, as Tracy dreams of appearing on the hugely popular Corny Collins Show.

Refusing to let her plus size statue stand in her way, Tracy’s incredible energy and enthusiasm for life soon sees her dancing her way onto the popular TV show, while winning the affections of teen heartthrob Link Larkin along the way.

But instead of accepting the status quo, Tracy uses her newfound standing to call for racial integration, even when it threatens her dream job of dancing on the show.

Having made her professional debut in the role in the 2021 and 2022 UK tour, Katie Brace was superb in the role of Tracy, showing she had all the moves and a wonderful voice to boot. Michelle Ndegwa was an exceptional Motormouth Maybelle, particularly with her spine-tingling rendition of ‘I Know Where I've Been’.

Another stand out scene was delivered by Neil Hurst and Dermot Canavan, who combined perfect comic timing with a genuine warmth and charm as Tracy’s loving parents Edna and Wilbur Turnblad. Their beautiful love story, perfectly depicted in the hilarious ‘You’re Timeless to Me’, demonstrated the acceptance and love that has helped shape Tracy into a fearless crusader against prejudice.

Costumes were gorgeous and choreography was exceptional throughout, with dance playing a central role in the evolving story. Scenery was cleverly designed to seamlessly move the action between Tracy’s modest home, the glitzy backdrop of the TV studio, and the bleak prison where Tracy and her pals are briefly locked up.

Hairspray is an absolute joy from start to finish, with a touching story of acceptance and kindness at its core. With its stellar cast and medley of big hits, it was no surprise that the show ended with a shower of confetti and the whole theatre audience up on their feet dancing along.

Hairspray is on stage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until Saturday with tickets available from £24.50. To book visit www.mayflower.org.uk