Good morning Hairspray at Curve Leicester
midlandsmovies • October 5, 2021
Good morning Hairspray!
Live at Curve Leicester
MON 4 - SAT 9 OCT 2021
If you’re not aware, Hairspray the musical was adapted into the 2007 romantic comedy film based on the original 2002 Broadway musical. The original musical itself was in turn based on John Waters' 1988 comedy film of the same name!
But, after various Covid-related delays, the coiffed 60s-infused show is finally back on tour and arrives this week at Curve theatre in Leicester.
For those new to the show or the film, we follow teenager Tracy Turnblad whose dream it is to dance on The Corny Collins Show in her hometown of Baltimore. After sweeping the show with a dazzling performance she becomes an overnight celebrity.
She then tries to use her fame to fight for liberation, tolerance and interracial unity in the town but is up against the authorities trying to segregate young people who want to dance, and more, together.
The rock-ola musical is a great combination of cult Grease-esque rhythm and blues music and comedy and this production captures the full positive spirit from the curtain-raise.
The breath-taking “Welcome to Baltimore” opening sets the scene for the entire show with an optimistic outlook on life set against tough societal odds and from the sound of the crowd at Curve, boy did we all need it.
There are many highlights, none more so than the phenomenal lead Katie Brace as Tracy. Funny, likeable and kind-hearted, Katie is a future star in the making with a voice to die for and a performance that grabs your attention right at the outset. And her physical comedy was another hilarious highlight that could be so easily overlooked given that voice.
The rest of the cast is top-notch too. X-factor star Brenda Edwards has the most sombre ballads which nicely breaks up the fast-paced pinball tracks with her soulful voice. Rebecca Thornhill as sultry mother Velma Von Tussle who opposes Tracy’s progressive plans is every bit as alluring, and conniving, as Michelle Pfeiffer in the film version.
And the hilarity continues with Alex Bourne (in drag as Edna) and Norman Pace (as Wilbur) playing Tracy’s supportive parents. The pair get the funniest scene of the night as the frisky double-act duet and dance to a saucy scene that had the audience in hysterics.
The soundtrack is no doubt solid in itself and the rest of the cast more than deliver in their supportive roles – with Penny Pingleton’s and Charlotte St.Croix’s voices particularly magical in their musical moments.
Big hair, jitterbug choreography and a turntable of high-octane pop hits, Hairspray ends as the antidote we all need after 18 months of Covid stress. In the electric auditorium, there seemed to be an outpouring of much needed positivity. The themes of the show explore racial segregation which is certainly a timely subject right now, but for those looking for a hit of escapism into a world of musical fun and 60s-infused jukebox style hits won’t be disappointed either.
So, whether you’re a fan of the film, the show, or just into having a great night out, anyone looking for a satisfying evening of upbeat entertainment, then shimmy and hop on down to Curve for astounding musical merriment and back-combed bouffant brilliance.
Michael Sales
TICKETS
£42 – £10
DISCOUNTS*
£18 Under 16s
£20 16 – 26yrs (with a FREE 16-26 Membership)
£20 Under 18s school groups
15% off for Members / £4 off for Groups 10+ / £5 off for Groups 20+
ACCESS PERFORMANCES
Signed: Thu 7 Oct, 2.15pm
BSL Interpreter: Karen Sly
Captioned: Thu 7 Oct, 7.30pm
For more information: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/hairspray
On Sunday 26th April Midlands Movies Editor Michael Sales & awards ceremony co-host Ed Stagg (BBC Radio) announced the nominations for the 2026 Midlands Movies Awards live from the Queen of Bradgate Vintage Cinema in Leicester. A big thanks was given to the entire Jury Panel of industry experts who gave up their precious time to watch a huge selection of creative projects and as always, had a difficult time choosing from the excellent number of films from the region. You can read the full list of nominations across all 16 categories below and watch our announcement videos here: Part 1 & Part 2 And please also check out our great awards partner Chrome Video Best Actress in a Leading Role Karendip Phull for Family Kate Bracken for The Lace Rachel Baker for Throwing Fruit Chloe Wade for How Long Sophie Bullock for Ma Prison Best Animated Film Of All the Things by Steff Lee Big Red by James Pyle Statue in the Garden by Qianhui Yu Butterfly by Jacob Christie Best Director Luke Worrall for The Waterline Lily Portman for Quiet Jack Richardson for Daniel’s Room Jonathan Hawes for Sorry We’re Closed Sophia Dall'Aglio for Man from Mars Best Documentary Nothing's Impossible by Jacob Thomas McClean A Birmingham Symphony by Jemma Saunders We Bring Light: Leicester's Diwali Legacy by Kieran Vyas The Sunshine Café by Jill Lampert Through the Viewfinder by William North Best Sound (Editing or Mixing) Neil Evans & his team for Artificial Insanity Alasdair Gretton for Dead on Distribution Deepanjali Patel for Earworm David Hamilton-Smith for The Pause Heidi Wilson for Of All The Things Best Actor in a Supporting Role Devon Junior for Lazar Tim Sparrow for Safety Net Shaiek Ahmed Rana for Family Luke Rollason for Quiet Peter Willoughby for A Story of Spring Best Visual & Special Effects Jake Wesley-Worrall for Soul Trader Steve Askey & team for The Correction Unit Nick Willett, Matt Burkey & Jayne Hyman for Black Goat JaqD SFX MUA, Mind Magic Studios and Ben Harker for Beyond the Witching Hour Jacob Christie for Countenance Best Cinematography Gary Rogers for The Pause Laurence Mason-Guetta for Sorry We’re Closed Ian Snape for Soul Trader Ash Connaughton for Daniel’s Room Duane Adamoli for Surfing (nominations continue below...)
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