Hairspray the Musical, York – Review

I went to the opening night of Hairspray the Musical at the Grand Opera House in York last night.  Although I remember when the film was released, I’d never seen it so was not sure what to expect.  What I got was a loud, colourful and energetic show!  The story revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a teen girl who is desperate to dance on the national TV dance show.  She is not like the other slim and pretty girls on there and is mocked for even trying.  Her positivity wins the day though and she is soon a local TV Star.  Set in the 60’s at a time of racial segregation, Tracy fights for equality and acceptance for all.

Hairspray is a high energy, fun loving show.  The characters are larger than life and the costumes and hair are even bigger!  I absolutely loved the relationship between Tracy’s parents, that was as poignant as it was hilarious.  There was a point in the show where a prop did not go off as it should.  The couple ad libbed marvellously, delighting the audience – it was a complete highlight of the night for me!

At the end of the show, the cast received a standing ovation, with the audience dancing in front of their seats.  Great songs, a thought provoking story line, comedy and big hair, what more could you ask for?!

 

If you are planning to go – show off your 60’s style!

Grand Opera House York invites customers to show off their best 60’s style when they come and see Hairspray – The Musical, Mon 16th – Sat 21st July.

We will be giving away a show programme, signed by the cast, to a well-dressed winner at each performance of Hairspray.  So put your wigs on and halo hair extensions!

All they have to do is Tweet their ‘look’ at the Grand Opera House ‘Selfie Spot’, which is located in the Foyer Bar, to @grandoperayork with their seat location before each performance begins to be in for a chance to win the signed programme.   The winner will be announced at the interval!  Bars are open from 1pm on matinees and 6pm on evening performances.

Hairspray the Musical, Grand Opera House, York
Alice Tones, Megan Conway and Lizzie MacKriell at York Grand Opera House getting in the mood for Hairspray. Picture David Harrison.

Hairspray Grand Opera House York

Hairspray The Musical features the iconic music and lyrics by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, this much-loved musical comedy currently stars Graham MacDuff as Wilbur Turnblad, Brenda Edwards as Motormouth Maybelle and Layton Williams as Seaweed. Matt Rixon returns to the role of Edna Turnblad and newcomer Rebecca Mendoza makes her professional debut as Tracy Turnblad. Choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Drew McOnie with direction from Paul Kerryson.

It’s Baltimore 1962, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way.

Tickets are priced from £17.90, available from box office on 0844 871 3024 or online at www.atgtickets.com/york