Review: Hairspray at Grand Opera House, Belfast

Mon 30 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2017

‘Oh oh oh woke up today.. in Belfast’. @hairsprayUKtour

The smash hit musical Hairspray production arrived in Belfast on Monday morning with a tweet and a play on their iconic song, Good Morning Baltimore.

The lyrics on Baltimore go on to sing, ‘I know every step, I know every song’ which pretty much sums up how I feel every time I’ve seen this bubbly musical. It just makes me happy, although horrifies me in equal measure with its prejudices and attitudes. Ultimately the message of inclusivity and acceptance shines through in this happy fun musical.

Although it’s set in the early 60’s, the theme is timeless and issues from over 50 years ago are still every day experiences today with bullying, body issues and racism. Hairspray tackles these issues with music and joy, and for me it reinforces the need for us all to strive for greater tolerance in this world.

This production was different than previous shows I’ve seen, it was more fun; watching the fantastic facial expressions of Rebecca Mendoza as a Tracy Turnblad was as uplifting as the music. Her energy and excitement is infectious. As is her best friend Annalise Liard-Bailey playing quirky fun Penny Pingletonslovak-republic.org viagra sale Some are even restricted from intercourse after cardiac surgery.

Layton Williams as Seaweed was the picture of happiness and positivity. Like a young Off the Wall era Michael Jackson, Layton had awesome moves, energy and voice.

Edward Chitticks was smoking hot as Link Larkin. Matt Rixon was adorable and charming and fabulous as Tracy Turnblad’s mum Edna. And Norman Pace as Wilbur Turnblad was cheeky fun. I could go on but the whole cast is fantastic.

Needless to say the soundtrack from the 2007 movie has been on constant play since I got home last night. And on that, 10 years old already! Is it really 10 years since John Travolta killed it as Edna?

Tickets for the week in Belfast are like gold dust, but it’s always worth trying because if you want a night of smiles, music and laughter, you HAVE to see HAIRSPRAY.

Jeff Meredith