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I’m writing this review of Hairspray the morning after the opening night of the Hairspray UK Tour at the Liverpool Empire and my cheeks are still hurting from smiling so much. It was AMAZING.
In the words of my friend who came with me it was simply amazing to be back watching live theatre, watching amazing singing, dancing and comic timing and amazing to have over 2 hours of total immersive joy.
There is something quite spectacular about watching a big show in Liverpool and last night didn’t disappoint, with standing ovations, dancing in the aisles and whoops and cheers from as early as song 4.
You can’t stop the beat
If you don’t know the premise of Hairspray then here goes
It’s 1962 and in Baltimore, USA, there’s a revolution brewing.
On TV dance show the Corny Collins Show, the all-white dancers are only joined by the black dancers once a month on what’s referred to as ‘Negro Day’.
There are also weight prejudices and Tracy Turnblad can’t get a fair audition with Velma Von Tussle and daughter Amber, being rejected on sight.
While the shows storyline is obvious and it does exactly what you know it will, it is totally and completely infectious as it unfolds. This Tony award-winning show is now on its fifth tour of the UK and audiences are loving the UK tour just as much as the West End production.
Highlights for me in last nights show, apart from the brilliant costumes and infectious dance routines that had me bobbing along in my seat and then on my feet, were a simply incredible performance by Motormouth Maybelle’s (Brenda Edwards) I Know Where I’ve Been – it brought the audience to its feet with a standing ovation; a stand out comedic piece by Mr & Mrs Turnblad (Norman Pace and Alex Bourne) which was warm, funny and sad all at the same time and lines that need to go into my every day use “You’ve got acne of the soul!” – and “get ready for a whole lotta ugly coming at you from a never-ending supply of stupid”
It really was AMAZING to be back at the theatre after so long and what an amazing production to start with.
Hairspray is at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday 4th September https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/hairspray-the-musical/liverpool-empire/
Touring NOW until April 2022 – Book Now!
Liverpool Empire Covid Safety Policy
See It Safely – Alongside maintaining our rigorous cleaning and hygiene in the venue, we require all adult guests to provide COVID-19 Status. This can be confirmation that you have had both vaccine doses via the NHS app or proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test. We will be asking everyone, unless exempt, to wear a face covering in our venue when not eating or drinking at your seat. Further details can be found here https://atgtix.co/3rDdqo8
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