Review of Hairspray by Lynn Carroll

September 10, 2024

It may seem strange to fans of Hairspray, but I arrived at the Cliffs with a completely clean slate regarding my knowledge of this show. I had never seen a stage version, the film, nor had I read anything about it. I had heard of it but assumed it was another coming of age show with an ugly duckling to a swan type of message. How wrong can you be? This was an advantage to be honest as it meant I could watch without bias and enjoy a new experience.

However, this also had the disadvantage in that I had no idea what was going on for most of the first half. There was a chubby girl with an atrocious hair style who, star struck whilst watching a popular TV programme, was determined to sing and dance her way into this show. My cynical thought; no chance love, you just haven’t got it girl. I just couldn’t get past that ridiculous hair and felt a total makeover was in order even before auditioning. But of course this was la la land and through a series of events she did indeed audition, and got a part, despite the best efforts of a couple of nasty individuals.

Carried along on a wave of fame the story began to unfold and I could tell where we were going. I am sure you know better than me what happens next so I will not dwell on the plot but rather the colourful and energetic song and dance fest bringing the 60s alive to those of us who remember it well, despite being set in Baltimore in the U. S. of A.

The girl with the bad hair (sorry, but I did say I couldn’t get past it), sang and danced her little heart out and I was amazed to learn, whilst browsing my programme, that this was her professional debut. She didn’t put a foot wrong and I am sure she will have a long and happy and prosperous career. However, I really must offer up heartfelt words of praise to the wonderful guys who played the part of her parents, Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, they were absolute comedic perfection. This was especially true of their rendition of You’re Timeless to Me when they had the stage to themselves. I feel pretty sure a fair bit of ad libbing went on during this song and dance routine par excellence. It reminded me of the old music hall type acts.

I must quickly go on to also say that every cast member was excellent and of course the younger ones went through their song and dance routines with energy, smiles and total commitment, never missing a beat, a joy to behold. I found myself foot tapping and smiling throughout.

I had to keep reminding myself that this was a musical show because, as a first timer, the story telling took second place to the spectacle of amazing song, dance, costumes and the sheer exuberance everyone displayed. The ugly duckling to swan scenario in my imagination never did take place and I resigned myself to that by the middle of the second half, but my goodness, I still could not get past that hair!

Whether you have or have not seen Hairspray I would urge you to book your tickets before it leaves Southend, you will not regret it.