Hairspray at Theatre Royal Brighton: A Toe-Tapping Triumph!
Review: Eric Page
Get ready to shake your groove thing at this electrifying production of Hairspray! The story set-in run-down Baltimore within the civil rights protests of the 60’s where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams. She sets out to dance her way onto a racially segregated national TV show. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star, gains her quite a few entitled enemies as she uses her new-found fame to fight for equality, struggling with social issues and finding way to enable her family and friends to embrace their diversity. Stuffed with plenty of feel-good messaging around racial, age and female size diversity it’s rooted in a good place, and the songs reflect this uplifting messaging.
The Theatre Royal stage may be compact, but the performances are anything but! The ensemble raises the barre with Drew Mconie’s dynamic choreography, proving that when it comes to equality, they’re all in step.
Sets are a little basic for a national tour, but that might be to do with how small the Theatre Royal stage is, reflected in some ‘tight’ full cast dance numbers last night. The costumes, by Takis, are full on camp sequined delights referencing Bob Mackie. Wrapping the dancers up in colorful retro mania flattering their electric performances. Every one of them delights with their buoyant tight, dynamic moves from the touch perfect choreography.
With its celebration of camp, uniqueness and community strength, Hairspray is a glittering beacon for the LGBTQ+ & wider community. It reminds us that whatever your intersectionality or identity there’s room for everyone on this dance floor of life.
Until Saturday Oct 5th
For more info or tickets, if you’re lucky for this /almost/ sold-out show, see Theater Royals website