HAIRSPRAY is returning for a UK and Ireland tour

Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters. Set in Baltimore, Maryland, it follows Tracy Turnblad's dream to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight.

With music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, the stage production of Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards. The production opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. This iconic musical comedy features some of musical theatre’s best hit songs including Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat and Good Morning Baltimore by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

The touring production will be choregraphed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie. Neil Hurst will return to play the iconic role of Edna Turnblad. A beloved British actor, comedian and writer, Hurst's recent theatre credits include the national tour of The Fully Monty, as well as being a fan-favourite headliner at the Nottingham Theatre Royal's annual panto. Further casting will be announced.

Brenda Edwards who has previously played Motormouth in three tours of Hairspray, said: "The show’s story and themes continue to remain
as relevant as ever and I cannot wait to share this vibrant new production of this timeless musical with even more people.”

The tour will open at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on 2 July, and will play at London's New Wimbledon Theatre from 31 August to 4 September.

Hairspray Tickets