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.
A queer comedy night is coming to Manchester next month
Thomas Melia
A comedy night packed with raunch and hilarious storytelling is heading to Manchester and its fronted by one of comedy’s leading queer comedians.
Titled ‘Queer as F*ck’ (we love a good pun), this night is devoted especially to queer comedy and sees Welsh comedian Morgan Rees taking the wheel with a wonderful roster of acts set to play too.
Taking inspiration from the cult-favourite queer comedy, this leading comedian is no stranger to seeing his work in the limelight as he has written for some of the funniest flagship shows like Mock The Week and The Great American Joke-Off.
Rees also doubles as the co-writer for smash internet hit The Uncle Roger Show, starring fellow comic Nigel Ng, and will definitely be bringing some of his razor-sharp one-liners on the night.
Ben Hodge, the MC for the queer comedy night in Manchester.Morgan Rees, the comedian headlining ‘Queer as F*ck’.Jenny Hart, one of the acts lined up for the queer comedy night in Manchester.Credit: Press Images (supplied)
The event, which has the full title of ‘brew. haha: Queer as F*ck comedy night’ will be MC’d by trans-male stand-up Ben Hodge and lesbian comedian Louise Young.
The latter may be a familiar name as she is currently supporting Alan Carr and Tom Allen on their latest tour while also stopping off in Manchester for this very special occasion.
Along with Rees and co., finishing the line-up are two impressive performers ready to raise the roof at this comedy night in Manchester: gay author Martin Dixon and trans comedian Jenny Hart.
Obviously, Rees doesn’t want to give everything away, but he has revealed an insight into what guests can expect to be chuckling away at in their seats.
Morgan Rees is excited to talk about “bad one night stands, growing up queer in a Welsh working class town, coming out late, and starting my first relationship in my 30s – it’s all in there.”
Taking place at Contact Theatre, this much-loved arts space is tucked away just behind the University of Manchester and another impressive city centre venue, Manchester Academy.
And if all this comedy talk wasn’t enough to get you down there, brew will be serving up Detroit-style pizzas with a range of draft beers and ciders – what a night you’re in for.
‘brew. haha: Queer as F*ck’ is coming to the Contact in Manchester on Wednesday, 9 April and ttickets are already on sale.
Featured Images — Rachel Sherlock/Press Shots (supplied)
Theatre
Cruel Intentions at the Palace Theatre Manchester – a nostalgia-fuelled revamp of a cult classic
Clementine Hall
There’s no shortage of movie to musical adaptations, but this one is a cut above the rest.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is a show that truly lives up to its name, a jukebox musical ready to take you on a whistle stop of catchy 90s pop hits.
And yes I’m taking about all the big ones, throughout the production the audience are treated to absolute bangers from Britney Spears and The Verve to Christina Aguilera and NSYNC (seriously, there’s some proper tunes in this).
Based on the 1999 movie, Cruel Intentions tells the tale of step-siblings Kathryn and Sebastian as they engage in a cruel bet on whether Sebastian can take the virginity of the headmaster’s innocent daughter.
Image: Supplied
The script doesn’t vary much from the film, but whilst the plot stays strong the constant flow of songs is stronger.
From effortlessly belting Wannabe by the Spice Girls to slowly transitioning into Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn, the show takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to the somewhat absurd action of breaking out into song mid-conversation.
And that’s how this production is best enjoyed, it’s a show of pure entertainment that’ll have you giggling in your seat with a glass of vino (or two) in hand.
Image: Supplied
But that’s not to undermine the absolutely stellar performances from the small but mighty cast.
The first thing that stands out are the impeccable vocals, both Will Callan and Nic Myers who played Sebastian and Kathryn had voices that rivalled any of the pop sensation’s who’s hits they were covering.
Myers specifically had a belt which required the full attention from the audience, she also perfectly captured the cruel and bitchy persona of the role which gives the word ‘cruel’ to the show’s title.
Image: Supplied
The real standout performance of the evening, though, was Lucy Carter who played the geeky, funny, cheeky but completely hilarious role of Cecile Caldwell.
Her incredible comic timing paired with her jaw-dropping voice completely stole the show, and her interpretation of I’ll Make Love To You had audience members cackling throughout. A real star in the making.
Overall if you’re looking for a night of fun at the theatre, then you absolutely cannot go wrong with getting a ticket for Cruel Intentions. It’s on at the Palace Theatre until Saturday 29 March, and you can grab your tickets here.
Oli Lowe -
19th July 2024 
