You can’t stop the beat!

The beloved musical is back on tour and I was lucky enough to be invited to come along and review it at the Wales Millennium Centre and Wow, Wow, Wow!

Tracy Turnblad, portrayed by Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby, and her friends take to the stage once again in this upbeat, inspiring musical of fighting for what you love, even when it seems impossible.

I remember watching the film when I was young, and like so many others, felt inspired by Tracy’s passion to do what she loves and believes in despite the world telling her she can’t. The strength and love that these characters had on screen was truly brought to life on stage in this production. The audience got ot fall in love with them all over again.

Visually, this show was sensational. The technicolour lights and dazzling costumes gave us a great taste of the 60’s and made the show just that much better to watch. And the use of the background screen, to not only add depth to the scenery but using it to project real life photos from marches had such a powerful effect. 

The talent in this show was unlike anything I’ve seen in a while. The power behind these voices gave me chills from start to finish. Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby was plays Tracy Turnblad gave us an upbeat, passionate performance. From her opening song, ‘Good Morning Baltimore’, I knew I was about to watch something special. Alongside her love interest Link Larkin, portrayed by Solomon Davy, with his fun, groovy performance and Tracy’s nervously funny best friend, Penny Pingleton, portrayed by Freya McMahon. 

Neil Hurst as Edna Turnblad and Dermot Canavan as Wilbur Turnblad were hilarious. Whenever they were on stage together, they had the audience in stitches. Their quippy one-liners and physical comedy really captured these beloved characters. 

I was particularly impressed by Michelle Ndegwa who portrays the iconically fabulous Motormouth Maybelle. Her rendition of ‘Big, Blonde and Beautiful’ and ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ was so powerful. Her performance tugged at the heartstrings of the audience who were blown away by such a level of talent. And who could forget little Inez, portrayed by Katlo, who quickly captured our hearts with her high-energy performance and undeniable dance skills.

The rest of the cast, Gina Murray as Velma Von Tussle, Declan Egan as Corny Collins, Reece Richards as Seaweed, Allana Taylor as Amber Von Tussle and Stuart Hickey, Kirsty Sparks, Ben Anderson, Grace Anyiam, Nina Bell, Vanessa Dumatey, Rebecca French, Marcellus Hill, Shear Jarrett, Jáiden Lodge, Olly Manley, Sasha Monique, Jacob Smith and Issie Wilman.

Each member of the cast deserved the roaring standing ovation they received. 

Big hair, big laughs and even bigger heart! If you’re looking for a night of hit songs, glittering costumes and lots and lots of hairspray then this show is not to be missed! Hairspray will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until 3rd August, so get your tickets now.

You can find out more about Hairspray the Musical UK tour on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

And want to know more about what’s going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram.