Hairspray the Musical is just like its ensemble cast: remarkable, revolutionary and jam-packed with really big hair dos. It focuses on a young girl’s dream to win television show Miss Teenage Hairspray, which sees pristinely preened princesses performing an array of dance moves to their adoring fans. A seemingly superficial premise. But, Tracy Turnblad, is not just any old dancer. She’s a dancer who risks her life to fight institutional racism on the small screen.

Set in the 1960s, a time of racial divide, the script is loosely set on real events which prevented black and white teenagers dancing together. But, thankfully, the production is anything but sombre. It is full to the brim with catchy, upbeat songs, back flips, turns, pirouettes and a heart-warming tale in which good triumphs over evil.

Rosie O’Hare secured a place for Tracy in the hearts of the audience from the moment she stepped on stage by striking the perfect balance between naïve teenager and lovable rogue. This is clear from the get go, when Tracy picks herself back up after being taunted for being overweight in a town full of beauty queens: Baltimore, USA. Despite being down-trodden herself, Tracy is also keen to jump the defence of any of life’s underdogs, including her own mother, played by Matt Rixon.

Another highlight is former X-factor finalist, Brenda Edwards, whose soulful voice as Motormouth Maybelle got the audiences on their feet. The black DJ aids Tracy in paving the way for creating on-screen equality, while her son Seaweed – played by Shak Gabbidon-Williams – invites Tracy to their segregated neighbourhood. Gabbidon- Williams’ boundless energy and impeccable dance moves were choreographed by Drew McOnie.

So, if you love geometric print, flamboyant dance moves, characterful singing and seeing the underdog come out on top, this is the musical for you.

4/5