Hairspray UK Tour review 2025 | Glasgow - as big, bright and bouncy as ever

Lisa in the theatre

Jan 294 min read

Updated: Feb 14

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Directors: Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson | Choreographer: Drew McOnie

The King's Theatre, Glasgow | 27 January 2025

Photos: Ellie Kurtz

Hairspray musical 2025. Photo credit: Ellie Kurtz

Hairspray the musical review | 2025 UK Tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Welcome to the 60s! Iconic musical Hairspray has arrived at the Glasgow King's Theatre this week with a new UK tour production for 2025.

With big hair, bouncing dance routines and a brilliant musical theatre soundtrack, Hairspray has been a West End and Broadway staple now for more than 20 years. It's always a sure-fire successful booking for our regional theatres, and with an exceptional cast and impressive production values, this new version is no exception.

Hairspray follows Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad (Katie Brace) who, despite being larger than her contemporaries, dreams of dancing her way onto national TV and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin (Solomon Davy). The primetime television show that all the local teenagers are obsessed with, The Corny Collins Show, is produced by local beauty queen Velma Von Tussle (Joanne Clifton) who makes sure to keep the programme and it's dancers white. There is only one 'Negroe Day' per month. But Tracy and her friends adore the sounds played by Motormouth Maybelle (Michelle Ndegwa) and they love to learn contemporary new dance moves from the kids in the local black community. The Baltimore kids just want to mix and dance together - it's the adults who need to learn a lesson or two about acceptance and liberation.

Hairspray, underneath its buoyant, bright facade and light-hearted comedy, has a serious message about the importance of tolerance regardless of body size or skin colour. Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meeha's book does an excellent job of shining a light on the fight for interracial unity in Baltimore during the 1960s.

The Cast of Hairspray. Photo credit: Ellie Kurtz

Hairspray is based on the 1988 musical film by cult filmmaker John Waters. A hugely successful stage production on Broadway and in London followed, and latterly a new film of the musical was released in 2007 which starred John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden.

One of the core reasons for its enduring success is its remarkable soundtrack. This jaunty little 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 (music and lyrics) and Scott Wittman (lyrics).

In Glasgow, Katie Brace leads the cast as Tracy Turnblad, and she is simply sensational. Full of energy and with exceptional dance skills, Brace's projection is second-to-none, and her comic timing and vocals are extraordinary. Her sheer glee at playing this role is palpable. The audience instantly get behind Tracy's schemes and root for her in all her enthusiasm and bravery.

The entire ensemble cast here are brilliant, with other standout performances from Katlo (Little Inez), Reece Richards (Seaweed) and Freya McMahon (Penny Pingleton). The vocals from Michelle Ndegwa's Motormouth Maybelle are jaw-dropping, and Neil Hurst 's Edna Turnblad is a comic masterpiece.

In a genius piece of casting, Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite Joanne Clifton plays Miss Baltimore Crabs, Velma Von Tussle. She doesn't have as much to do here as we've seen of her in previous shows, but Clifton makes an impact every moment she's on stage with her elegant moves and striking stage presence.

The set for this production of Hairspray did feel a little bare and lackluster at times, with stark brick walls flanking the barren stage floor. Like many touring shows now, Hairspray relies on projections to provide the ever changing backdrops. But the projections here look muted and outdated compared to others I've seen. More could definitely be done to match the bright, vibrant energy that the cast, music and brilliant live band bring to proceedings.

The band are seated on stage for this production and it's fantastic to be able to watch them play. The soundtrack is so central to this musical's success it feels fitting to have the musicians raised and visible throughout.

In her directorial debut, The X Factor's Brenda Edwards has done an outstanding job with this production of Hairspray. It's fast-paced and beautifully executed. The story flows well with the perfect mix of dialogue, sharp comedy and dazzling song and dancer numbers. Drew McOnie's exhilarating choreography is unmistakable. The dynamic dances, vivid costumes, epic music and first-rate performers almost make the somber backdrops immaterial. Almost.

Don't miss Hairspray on tour this year. It's impossible not to get carried away with the upbeat energy and heartfelt story. You really can't stop the beat! You'll be dancing all the way home. Great fun.