Theatre Review: Hairspray (UK Tour) - Edinburgh Playhouse ✭✭✭✭
Hairspray
Edinburgh Playhouse
Review by Anne Mackie
13th March 2018: Big hair, big heart and even bigger dance moves. The
multi-award winning smash hit ‘Hairspray’ is a musical that undefinably has it
all. Based on the film of the same name, the musical is set in 1960’s Baltimore
and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad – a larger than life teen who finds fame
fighting for equality and racial integration on the predominantly one-sided yet
much hyped ‘Corney Collins Show’.
A somewhat timely and relevant narrative
given today’s current affairs, however this critically acclaimed musical is jam
packed full of comedy, love and impeccably well-choreographed routines – wrapped
up spectacularly in an infectious musical score by Marc Shaiman and Scott
Wittman.
Admittedly, it’s hard not to fall in love with the bright,
bold, bouffant musical we’ve come to know and love – from the moment the
overture starts, the 2018 UK touring cast are wholeheartedly committed to
telling Tracy’s story with exactly the right amount of pizzazz expected from a narrative
of this calibre. Fronting the production is Rebecca Mendoza as the quirky, determined
and curvaceous Ms Turnblad. A role that is a mean feat for any young actress. Mendoza
oozes personality and professionalism, supporting a tremendous singing voice
that irrefutably brings the score to life.
However, it may be noted that some
of her mannerisms veer more on juvenile than endearing at times – a minor quip
in an otherwise outstanding performance. Mendoza is ably supported by an
incredibly strong cast – all of whom encapsulate their retrospective roles to a
tee.
Particular mention must go to Layton Williams as Seaweed and Gina Murray
as Velma Von Tussle – both of whom unequivocally raised the performance bar –
Williams with his soulful vocals and clean cut back flips and Murray with a
belt that blew the roof off Baltimore! The stand out performance of the night
however came from X Factor finalist Brenda Edwards as Ms Motormouth Maybelle in
her stunning rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’. A moment that could melt
event he coldest of hearts! The onstage band, led by Musical Director Richard
Atkinson, made moments such as this even more poignant as the audience could
visually experience the melodic fusion of musicianship between performer and
orchestra.
In addition, what made this production stand out was the
tight, well placed and unwaveringly paced choreography – delivered expertly by
Choreographer Drew McOnie. Movement served a purpose, supporting the narrative
and musicality superbly throughout the production.
What became obvious as the musical progressed was the overall
aesthetic of the piece. The 2018 revival took less ‘caricature’ route, allowing
for a more ‘real’ interpretation than the musical’s previous counterparts. This
was apparent through the use of a minimal, limited set and the incorporation of
signature video projections compiled by Video Designer, Dick Straker. In many
respects this worked to the production’s advantage – allowing for smooth,
unfaltered transitions, however, in others, it unfortunately came across as a
little bit ‘budget’. Some scenes lacked colour, personality and drive, coming
across vaguely monotone at times. Matt Rixon and Norman Pace (as Edna and
Wilbur Turnblad)’s pivotal number ‘Timeless to Me’ being a key example of this
notion.
This aside, it’s hard not to fall in love with the musicality
and narrative that Hairspray stands for.
With key messages that still resonate
today, this is a production that truly is ‘Timeless to Me’ – a production that
undeniably ‘Can’t Stop the Beat’ with its infectious heart and humour. It is
not a carbon copy of the original Broadway and West End adaptions but it
provides much the same wit, sentiment and soul. And who can argue with that? Head
on down and catch ‘The Nicest Kids in Town’ while you can!
Four stars ✭✭✭✭
‘Hairspray’ runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, Greenside Place
until this Saturday.
Full tour dates and more info here: http://www.hairsprayuktour.com
