Making a welcome return to the Empire this week, Hairspray The Musical is every bit the foot-tapper that it has been for 22 years, since Marc Shaimen set John Waters’ iconic movie to music with a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan and lyrics co-written with Scott Whitman.
The fact that this stage show itself was re-adapted back for the silver screen is testament to the success of the musical version, and this must owe a great deal to the excellence of the ‘60s inspired score, with songs that have become so familiar that it’s hard to believe they’re not from the period. From its opening ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ to the final ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ the music transports us straight back to the era.
It’s sad to reflect that the prejudices that underpin the story keep on rearing their ugly heads, but it means that a feelgood show which bangs the drum for integration and acceptance with such warm spirits is all the more welcome for it.
Tracy Turnblad might be something of a social misfit, but she is determined to earn herself a place on the Corny Collins TV dance show. Despite resistance from the show’s racist (and sizeist) producer Velma Von Tussle and from her own mother Edna, Tracy wins over Collins with her dance moves and her sunny disposition, and makes a triumphant TV debut. From here on Tracy fights tirelessly to break down the barriers of prejudice and encourage integration in the show’s cast.
In a neat parallel, Tracy is played here by Alexandra Emerson-Kirby in an equally triumphant professional stage debut. Right from the get-go Emerson-Kirby impresses with her commanding performance, and she genuinely owns the stage. But, like her character, she is no diva and shares the limelight generously with a really excellent cast.
There are some stand-out powerhouse solos from Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle, the sassy record-store-owner-turned-show-host, and a suitably vituperative turn from Gina Murray as Velma Von Tussle. Meanwhile Solomon Davy is every inch the preppy teen idol as the Corny Collin’s show’s star Link Larkin, who makes a charming love interest for Tracy.
Stepping into the famed drag role of Tracy’s mother Edna is Neil Hurst, who could almost be channelling John Goodman as he slips in and out of a comedic baritone. Hurst is partnered with Dermot Canavan as the father Wilbur Turnblad, and the two feel as though they could do a great turn at the helm of La Cage Aux Folles.
An impressive nine-piece band are perched to the rear of the stage and for the most part obscured from view by a projection screen, but occasionally revealed as if to prove that the accompaniment is live. Occasionally the weight of the score threatens to submerge the voices, but overall the music is belted out with a really authentic period feel. Drew McOnie’s choreography too is richly evocative of the ‘60s, and direction from Paul Kerryson and Brenda Edwards keeps the story flowing, especially in the show’s punchier second act.
It is good to see this touring version of the show still pulling the crowds and getting audiences on their feet for the big finale.
Hairspray is at Liverpool Empire until 24th August and then continues its mammoth tour via a further 28 venues across the UK with dates booking to April 2025.
Star rating: 4½ stars
The cast of Hairspray - picture © Ellie Kurttz
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