Dermot Canavan (Wilbur Turnblad), Katie Brace (Tracy Turnblad), Neil Hurst (Edna Turnblad) and Katlo (Little Inez) – Credit Pamela Raith
Venue: Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Performance Date: 17 February 2025
Reviewer: Gemma Fincher
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
On a chilly winter evening in Aylesbury, Hairspray bursts onto the stage like a ray of technicolour sunshine, whisking the audience straight back to the swinging ‘60s with an energy that is nothing short of infectious. Hairspray is bigger, bolder, and better than ever, proving that the show’s heart, humour, and message are as relevant today as they were when it first took Broadway by storm.
Leading the charge is the returning Katie Brace as Tracy Turnblad, and she is nothing short of dazzling. From the moment she belts out Good Morning Baltimore, it’s clear she is born to play the role, radiating charm, confidence, and boundless enthusiasm. Her Tracy is a force of nature, effortlessly capturing the character’s unshakable optimism and determination to dance her way into history.
Alongside her, the cast is packed with standout performances. The ever-charismatic Link Larkin played by the charming Solomon Davy, oozes teen heartthrob energy, while Tracy’s quirky best friend Penny Pingleton is played delightfully by Freya McMahon who delivers pitch-perfect comedic timing. As Seaweed, Penny’s love interest, Reece Richards brings effortless cool and stunning dance moves to the role. Meanwhile, Velma and Amber Von Tussle are deliciously villainous, and Joanne Clifton and Allana Taylor sneer their way through Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now with just the right balance of camp and cattiness.
Of course, no Hairspray production is complete without an unforgettable Edna Turnblad, and this tour’s Edna is an absolute triumph. Neil Hurst plays Edna with warmth, wit, and just the right amount of larger-than-life fabulousness, she steals every scene she’s in, especially when bouncing off Dermot Canavan as her devoted husband Wilbur. Their duet, You’re Timeless to Me, is a comedic highlight, filled with ad-libs, cheeky glances, and a chemistry that has the audience roaring with laughter.
However, it’s Michelle Ndegwa’s Motormouth Maybelle who delivers the show’ s most powerful moment with I Know Where I’ve Been, a goosebump-inducing performance that reminds us all why Hairspray remains so important.
Beyond the glitz, glamour, and gravity-defying hairstyles, Hairspray carries an important message that still resonates today. At its core, the story is about acceptance, equality, and fighting for change. Tracy’s journey from underestimated outsider to civil rights champion reminds us that activism comes in all shapes and sizes. While set in 1962, the show’s themes of racial integration, body positivity, and self-acceptance feel just as urgent in 2025. It’s a joyous celebration of progress, but also a reminder that the fight for equality is never truly over.
With its vibrant design, impeccable cast, and show-stopping score, this Hairspray tour is a joyful reminder of why musical theatre exists, to entertain, uplift, and, when done right, inspire. It is a feel-good feast of fun with just the right amount of substance beneath the sequins.
If you are looking for a night of fun, fabulous fashion, and a little bit of social change, look no further. This Hairspray tour is a must-see show. Bigger, bolder, and with more heart than ever before. It may be a chilly, damp Monday in Aylesbury, but inside, the Waterside Theatre is alive with rhythm, joy, and the unstoppable power of Hairspray.
Runs until: Saturday 22 February 2025
