Big Hair and Big Numbers
Hairspray
Newcastle
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Until Saturday
18th April 2015
The West End Operatic Society have
brought the musical, which is based upon the 1988 John Water’s film, to life at
the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in a glitzy production.
The story centres on Tracy Turnblad, who
is a big fan of a music and dancing show called The Corny Collins Show. It’s a
tv programme featuring all of the cool kids and playing the cool music of the
time. An opening occurs in the cast when one of the dancers becomes pregnant
and so Tracy goes with her best mate Penny to the auditions. They
face the racist producer of the show Velma Von Tussle who is neither keen on Tracy’s plump figure or her views on racial integration. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the show makes more than a passing nod to some of
the attitudes of the time towards race. This is typified in that the sponsor of
the tv programme only allow “negro day” once a month on the show. The musical then follows Tracy and her
friends as they fight for an integrated show. Add to that deeper storyline the
tussle between Tracy and Velma’s daughter Amber to win the talent show and
become Miss Teenage Hairspray of 1962.
The story needs a strong central
character with a powerful singing voice and the role is filled by the more than
capable Aniella Lucia. Her love interest Link Larkin was also more than capable
at singing too. This Martyn Knight
directed show also calls for Tracy’s parents to be lovable and engaging and in Andrew Fearon and Paul
Outterside they have the perfect odd couple.
Hannah Elliott, in her role as Velma, is
the perfect foil for Tracy without being an unloveable character that the audience would
hate. Her mother is performed well by
Leanne Harrison who stops gracefully short of a wicked witch routine and the
show benefits tremendously as a result.
The show features a large cast of clean
cut lads and pretty girls who sing and dance without breaking a sweat. The ensemble seem to really enjoy themselves
on stage and that helps to make their characters connect with the audience. They include sweet Bridget Grant as the
occasionally gobby Little Inez who is younger sister to the outstanding
Seaweed, played by Quentin Whitaker.
The distinctive and pleasing features of
the show included the talented 10 piece band led by musical director Liam
Gilbert and the bold set design which took full advantage of the venues fly
system. It is great to see the Tyne Theatre being used for the purpose for
which it was built and it would be great to see more theatre upon its stage.
Hairspray is a delightful and
entertaining musical which celebrates difference and diversity in our society
and acknowledges the perseverance and determination of those involved. Great
songs, performances and positive attitude by those on stage make it a pleasure
to watch.
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
On The Web:
Twitter: twitter.com/WestEndOperatic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestEndOperaticSociety
Tickets:
Monday 13th – Saturday 18th
April 2015
Performances at 7pm with a 2pm Matinee of
Thursday 16th & Saturday 18th
Tickets are priced from
£9 - £16 (plus booking fees when booking online and over the phone)
The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box
Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to
Friday and event days
Booking and Information Line: 0844 2491
000 (10am
– 6pm Monday to Friday)
Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
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