Hairspray
Buy Hairspray tickets for the ultimate feel-good factor for all the family as this iconic musical returns to the West End
Michael Ball reprises the role of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray at the London Coliseum next summer, as the upbeat story about dancing and equality runs for a limited season from 22nd June 2021.
Based on John Waters‘ 1988 film, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, a Baltimore teenager who dreams of dancing on her favourite television show. Her mother Edna is worried she’ll be bullied for her weight, but when Tracy’s moves make her a local celebrity, she uses her new-found fame to campaign for equality and representation.
With a catalogue of 60s inspired songs including “The Nicest Kids in Town” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat”, Hairspray is a fun and cheery musical about embracing your individuality, with a heart-warming mother-daughter relationship at its centre. The original Broadway production (2002) collected eight Tony Awards, with its West End transfer adding four Olivier Awards, including Best Actor in a Musical for Michael Ball.
Ball now returns to the role of Edna Turnblad, having gone on to win an Olivier Award for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Before he gets out the big hair and heels for Hairspray, he was recently seen in the all-star concert production of Les Miserables.
Lizzie Bea will star in the iconic role of Tracy Tunblad. Lizzie is currently performing in the UK Tour of Kinky Boots after having returned from Atlanta, performing in the world premiere production of Becoming Nancy (Alliance Theatre).
Acclaimed West End star Marisha Wallace will take the role of Motormouth. Marisha won rave reviews when she took over from Amber Riley in the smash hit Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), and has just finished starring in the original West End cast of Waitress (Adelphi Theatre).
Entertainment legend Les Dennis will play Wilbur, replacing the previously announced Paul Merton who has had to step down from the production due to prior commitments. He is best known for hosting TV game show Family Fortunes for 15 years. His stage credits include Chicago, The Addams Family and Me and My Girl.
Also in the cast are Rita Simons (Eastenders) as Velma von Tussle, Jonny Amies (Sex Education) as Link Larkin, Mari McGinlay (Cinderella) as Penny, Ashley Samuels (Fun Home, Motown) as Seaweed, and Michael Vinsen (Follies, The Book of Mormon) as Corny Collins.
Hairspray features music and lyrics from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, direction from Jack O’Brien (The Full Monty) and choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots).
Don’t miss out on Michael Ball’s return to a beloved character and irresistibly feel-good musical. Hairspray runs at the London Coliseum from 22nd June 2021.
Please note: Michael Ball will not be performing on the following days: 20 July, 17 August and 14 September.
Child friendly?
Hairspray is a feel-good family show, but the exact minimum age recommendation has not yet been confirmed.