Hairpray @ Manchester Opera House

Hi my lil fairies,

I know it's been a while but university has taken priority. However, last night I got to see Hairspray and it was definitely something I had to write about. Hairspray has always been one of my favourite musicals and I've missed it every time it came to Manchester so I had to go and see it during my Easter holidays and it did not disappoint. 

I mean most of you know should know the story of Hairspray but to describe it in one sentence: it's the story of outsiders coming together to change the world and can still be relevant now with all the issues on body confidence and, in particular, race issues. Don't get me wrong, it's not a heavy story that brings down the mood because you can literally just go there and have a good time and let your hair down, but it does make you think about the past and the present in a certain light. 

I don't know if it was as good as the film, because who can really beat having Zac Efron playing Link Larkin, but it came really close and was near perfection from the casting to the stage production. Rebecca Mendoza, as Tracey Turnblad, was really the perfect choice to play this iconic character and she was the perfect combination of voice, heart and comedic genius - I could definitely see myself in her whenever she was gushing about Link... Ah Link Larkin, Edward Chitticks was literally the perfect casting with his good looks *swoon*, amazing voice and just charming demeanour. I mean I'm only human, there was obviously going to be some #fangirling from me in the audience! 

However, apart from the obvious star-quality of the actors who played Tracey and Link, the 3 stand out characters had to be Seaweed, Mrs Turnblad and Mr Turnblad. Seaweed was played by Layton Williams, who is probably best known to most as Stephen from Bad Education, and I had to admit that I was a bit starstruck because he is the definition of a triple threat: he sang, acted and danced his heart out. He had that smoothness that Seaweed needed but, most importantly, had the soul and heart that the character needs to have. The role of Mr and Mrs Turnblad are some of the most iconic and well loved characters in the movie and these two did not disappoint. We had the understudy for Mr Turnblad, but I couldn't have imagined a better one because, even with a few technical hiccups, his improvisation with Mrs T. was probably the funniest part of the show. I mean it got to a point where I didn't know if it was improvisation, because of their constant fits of laughter, or if it was actually part of the show itself.

What else can I say about this production? It was just the perfect night out and an amazing break from the hardships of university life. The cast brought the story to life and got me singing and tapping along to every song in this famous story and I completely forgot that I was watching a live show, it almost felt like I was watching a movie at the cinema - it was that good! So, if you want a good night out, Hairspray is definitely the show to watch because it's funny, romantic and powerful! What else could you want from a night out?

My Rating: 5/5 - Please, if you want a musical to see, make sure it's this one because you won't regret it!

Until next time my musical chums,

Bye for Now

xx