Hairspray
★★★★☆ Sparkling
Playhouse: Mon 7 – Sat 12 October 2024
Review by Suzanne O’Brien
With all the vibrant colours of the rainbow, Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse delivers hit after hit, taking the audience in with its high energy and dazzling performances.
Once it gets into its rhythm, this production doesn’t slow down – bursting with some spectacular debut performances and sparkling moments. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Baltimore, the musical tackles segregation and inequality, and has powerful messages which remind us of past fights and current struggles.
Good Morning Baltimore! Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby in Hairspray. Pic Ellie Kurttz
Based on John Waters’ 1988 screenplay and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray follows the spirited Tracy Turnblad, a teenager with dreams of dancing on local dance show “The Corny Collins Show”. When Tracy successfully makes it on to the programme, she makes it clear that her ambitions go beyond the dance floor. She’s determined to challenge the format of the show and pushes for it to reflect the diversity of the real world.
Tracy’s character, portrayed with boundless enthusiasm by newcomer Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby, is equally charming and formidable. Though she might seem harmless at first, Tracy’s determination to bring black and white together on a show that only allows “Negro Day” once a month reflects a societal shift towards equality that not everyone is prepared for.
shines
Velma Von Tussle, the producer of The Corny Collins S and mother to wannabe star Amber (Allana Taylor) embodies the voices of those clinging to the old attitudes and trying to maintain the suppression of people of colour. Joanne Clifton shines as the fierce dance mum who will do anything to get to the top. She delivers impressive vocals as well as plenty of moves and lifts that will delight fans of Strictly Come Dancing.
A scene from Hairspray. Pic: Ellie Kurttz.
Tracy’s heart belongs to heartthrob, and the tv shows leading man, Link (Solomon Davy), whose charm is undeniable. Their portrayal of young love, with its innocence and yearning, is enjoyable to watch particularly their first accidental touch which inspires the thought of wedding bells.
Beneath this sweetness lies a hunger to escape youthful innocence and dive into adulthood. The hunger and lust for love is shown most in the palpable chemistry between the smooth and captivating Seaweed (Shemar Jarrett at this performance), and the delightfully naïve and overly protected Penny (Freya McMahon). The interracial couple certainly raise a few eyebrows, but their desire for one another is clear for all to see.
chemistry
Speaking of chemistry, Tracy’s loving parents, Edna Turnblad (Neil Hurst) and Wilbur Turnblad (Dermot Canavan), are a cheeky, lovable couple who are the biggest source of laughter with their playful banter and naughty jokes. Their warmth and humour bring lightness to the production, serving as a source of continuous laughter. You can be at complete ease with Hurst and Canavan’s polished and seasoned performances.
Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby and Neil Hurst in Hairspray. Pic: Ellie Kurttz.
As expected from a show called Hairspray, the voluminous hairstyles and wigs designed by Craig Forrest Thomas are quite special. The attention to detail in the hair and makeup is impressive, as are the costumes, which dazzle in bright colours and glittery fabrics. Each piece feels perfectly suited to each character, creating a visual feast that enhances the spirit of the production.
Adding further depth to the story are George Reeves’ projections, which help to create the various settings, and which also portray images of civil rights protests and iconic figures from the movement. These moments serve as a poignant reminder that while the musical revolves around a dance show, the fight for integration and equality is far bigger. What Hairspray does so well, is show that a step toward change, no matter how small it may appear, is still a step forward.
body positivity
In addition to tackling race inequalities, Hairspray explores themes of body image and the pressure to conform to beauty standards. It spreads body positivity especially well through the Turnblad girls, who are encouraged to unleash their true selves and are ultimately proud to be who they are. The development and growth of confidence in Mrs Turnblad who was once all shut up inside her home, is a real joy to witness.
Some shows can get lost in trying to address too many social issues, losing sight of the story and performance quality in the process. But Hairspray strikes a perfect balance. The narrative remains clear, the emotions are genuine, and the message is resounding – integration and equality are what create the vibrant rainbow we all love to see. Regardless of race, gender, size, or background, there is strength and beauty in unity.
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including one interval)
Edinburgh Playhouse: 18 – 22 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA.
Mon 7 – Sat 12 Oct 2024.
Evenings: 7.30pm; Weds, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Glasgow King’s Theatre, 297 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4JN
Mon 27 Jan – Sat 1 Feb 2025.
Evenings: 7.30pm; Weds, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details:Book here.
A scene from Hairspray. Pic: Ellie Kurttz.
ENDS
