BWW Reviews: HAIRSPRAY, Kings Theatre, Glasgow, May 7 2013
Set in 1960s Baltimore, Hairspray follows the story of enthusiastic teen Tracy Turnblad, played by Freya Sutton, as she fulfils her dreams of dancing on her favourite television show.
Yet the setting is at the height of racial segregation - and Tracy challenges the convention of not allowing white and black people dance together in the show.
The opening number "Good Morning Baltimore" gives a good idea of what kind of show we're in for: bright, brilliantly choreographed, excellent set designs and amazing costumes.
Freya Sutton is perfect in the lead role and the supporting cast are very well placed, particularly Lucy Benjamin, excellent as the thoroughly unlikeable Velma Von Tussle, along with her daughter Amber played by Gemma Sutton.
The soundtrack contained a few filler songs, but a talented cast prevented any dull moments. The duet "You're Timeless To Me' between Mark Benton as Edna Turnblad and Paul Rider as husband Wilbur seemed a little too pantomime for my taste, but the audience loved it and it received one of the biggest cheers of the night.
Hairspray is an extremely colourful and entertaining feel-good show with a big heart. And very, very big hair.
Hairspray is on tour across the UK.
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