Energetic ensemble numbers, lavish costumes and stand-out performances: Hairspray welcomes everyone to the 60s in its latest tour production.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll hold very fond memories of the 2007 movie-musical version of Hairspray, a cinematic masterpiece that breathed new life into the already iconic musical. I bring this version of the show up because until last night it was my only experience of the story.
Yes, much to my shame, I had never seen a live production of the show but after coming out of the Palace Theatre last night, I can now say that Hairspray‘s latest tour production is just as fun-loving – and as free wheeling.
From start to finish, Hairspray is a vibrant, colourful, high-energy show which takes you on the journey of teenage misfit Tracey Turnblad as she deals with the struggles of pursuing her dreams, in the face of adversity and a 1960s America that seems determined to halt progression.
The entire cast gave stellar performances from leading lady Alexander Emmerson-Kirby in the role of Tracy, all the way through to the ensemble who constantly wooed me with brilliantly executed dance routines, filled to the brim with swinging-sixties dance moves.
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I’d like to take a second to highlight some standout performances, which in my opinion elevated the show to new heights. Starting with Neil Hurst in the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s ‘larger-than-life’ mum.
Neil was a constant comic relief throughout a show that whilst generally lighthearted does tackle some serious issues such as unrealistic female beauty standards and racial segregation.
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Neil, alongside his comedic partner Dermot Canavan, gave a standout, belly-laugh performance of their duet ‘You’re Timeless To Me’. It truly had the audience in fits of laughter and lauded huge applause from the entire theatre.
On to Gina Murray as Velma Von Tussle and Michelle Ndegwa as ‘Motormouth’ Maybelle. Both gave superb renditions of their solo numbers and showcased their experience in every scene they were in.
Murray’s rendition of Miss Baltimore Crabs (still always caught off-guard by that name) was impressive, to say the least, with the performer delivering big and bold vocals, all whilst being held upside down by a group of the male cast.
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Meanwhile, Michelle Ndegwa’s version of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ was spellbindingly beautiful. It carried with it the weight and severity of the number, all whilst delivering knock-out vocals that were filled to the brim with pain and suffering.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16th July 2024 in ManchesterStunning vocals all around.
Finally, a small shoutout to Reece Richards as Seaweed. Growing up (and occasionally to this day) I tried many times to stumble my way through Seaweed’s big number, ‘Run And Tell That’, and let me tell you from experience, that’s one damn hard song to sing…
Reece delivered the number expertly, all whilst dancing in a routine that even just watching, made me feel slightly exhausted. Props to Reece… One day I will nail that opening high note (I won’t).
All in all, Hairspray delights, delivering laughter, splendor, and high fuelled entertainment from start to finish – we’d consider a must-see if you’re a fan of the film, especially.
The show runs through till 27th July and with limited tickets still available, there’s no reason to not get yourself down and enjoy an evening of mesmerising, musical fun. You can grab yours HERE.
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Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16 July 2024 at the Palace Theatre in ManchesterSeriously, give it a go.
New stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House to arrive in Manchester this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
A brand-new stage adaptation of a bestselling horror novel and TV series is coming to Manchester this Halloween.
Following the critically acclaimed Netflix hit series that introduced a new generation to the eerie masterpiece, author Shirley Jackson’s famous The Haunting of Hill House is being turned into a brand-new stage adaptation later this year, and will be taking to one of Manchester’s most iconic stages at the spookiest season of all.
Written by Olivier and BAFTA award-winner Stef Smith, and directed by Martin Constantine, the new production is set to conjure the iconic supernatural thriller on stage.
It will be making its world premiere with a UK tour this autumn, stopping off in several major towns and cities along the way.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, The Haunting of Hill House follows a group of daring investigators who take on the mystery of Hill House, before their curiosity quickly descends into fear.
A new stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House is coming to Manchester this Halloween / Credit: Supplied
“The Haunting of Hill House is one of the greatest supernatural novels of the last hundred years and to have the chance to adapt it for the stage is a true privilege,” explained writer Stef Smith, as the UK tour was announced this week.
“I find Shirley Jackson’s world intoxicating, thrilling and gut-wrenching.
“I believe there is something so deeply theatrical at the heart of Hill House. From the spooky, to the surreal, through heartache and hope. I hope that our cast of characters will take the audience along for a ride quite unlike anything else. Above all we will examine that the biggest horrors are usually human.”
The brand-new stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House will arrive in Manchester and take to the stage at Manchester Palace Theatre from Tuesday 27 October right through to Halloween itself (Saturday 31 October 2026).
The full cast and creative team for the new production is set to be announced shortly, so keep your eyes peeled.
Tickets go on pre-sale tomorrow at 10am, before general sale begins on Friday (20 February), again at 10am, and you book your place here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Theatre
Multi award-winning musical Back to the Future returns to Manchester next summer
Emily Sergeant
Nearly six years after making its world premiere here in Manchester, Back to The Future The Musical is returning to our city next summer.
The multi award-winning musical – based off the beloved 1985 film of the same name – held its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House back 2020, but unfortunately, as you can probably guess, its run was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, flash forward to 2027, the production is returning to ‘settle some unfinished business’.
Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, have announced that the musical will return to Manchester as part of its first-ever UK tour.
Directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando, alongside a multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team, Back to the Future The Musical has a book by Bob Gale, and new music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.
Multi award-winning musical Back to the Future is returning to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Additional hit songs from the film, including ‘The Power of Love’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’, are also included in the production, making it a real trip down memory lane for fans.
The show will run at Manchester Opera House from 13 July through to 21 August 2027, following its run in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre, where it’s currently in its fifth year, having broken box office records and being seen by more than 2.3 million people.
“Speaking for the entire creative team, we are beyond thrilled to be returning to the Manchester Opera House, which we consider the birthplace of Back to the Future The Musical and one of the UK’s best venues,” commented co-creator Bob Gale.
“No city has ever given us a better reception and the incredible audience response we received in 2020 helped shape the show creatively in myriad ways.”
Back to the Future The Musical will take to the Manchester Opera House stage from 13 July – 21 August 2027, and tickets officially go on general sale tomorrow (18 February) at 10am.
Oli Lowe -
19th July 2024 
