CHEESY, eccentric and colourful – and that’s what makes the show so great! Hairspray is currently on a national tour and has stopped at the New Theatre in Cardiff until this Saturday. A full house awaited its first night and it was truly entertaining. 

The show is based on Baltimore in the 1960s where Tracy Turnbland, played by Freya Sutton, fantasises of dancing on her favourite TV programme The Corny Collins Show. Her dreams happen to come true, becomes a celebrity overnight and, despite strong conflicting views, brings integration to the show. Tracy couldn’t have been played by any better person; Freya had her quirky excitable nature down to the ground. 

Seaweed, Dex Lee, was my favourite character where his dancing and singing can be called nothing short of superb! Layton Williams who played as part of the ensemble/Duane was also wonderful and stood out as a talented dancer.

Velma Von Tussle, Claire Sweeney, and her husband Wilbur Turnblad, Peter Duncan,  were a hilarious duo and were definitely a crowd pleaser. 

A comment must also be made to Motormouth Maybelle, Brenda Edwards, with her powerful voice.

The only criticism I have is Link Larkin, played by Ashley Gilmour, didn’t have a strong personality in comparison to the film.

This show is fantastic and a must-see.