Review: Hairspray at The Bristol Hippodrome
Posted on: 25 Feb 20255 stars from Kay Beckey reviewing Hairspray The Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome, showing until 1st March 2025.
Having watched the hairspray movie more than 50 times and the soundtrack featuring heavily in my feel-good playlists since I was a small girl, it's fair to say I’m a big fan with big expectations! We were thrown straight into Tracy's world and we laughed and tapped our toes throughout.
Set in 1960 Baltimore, the story follows Tracy Turnblad, played superbly by Katie Brace, a plus-sized teen with big hair and an even bigger dream to dance on The Corny Collins show. Tracy attends auditions with best pal Penny Pingleton, played by Freya McMahon, but is soon dismissed by Velma Von Tussle (Joanne Clifton) for her looks and enthusiasm to make ‘everyday negro day’. Tracy manages to secure a place on the show with the help of Reece Richards as Seaweed, teaching her iconic moves that impress Corny enough to give her a permanent spot. Tracy becomes an overnight sensation, becoming a role model for peers with her can-do attitude and infinite optimism and makes it her mission to achieve racial integration within the show.
The catchy soundtrack will have you wanting to sing and dance in your seat throughout, starting with the classic ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ and followed by the popular ‘I Can Hear the Bells’ and the ever-famous ending number ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ that had the full auditorium on their feet dancing for the finale. However, contrary to most of the upbeat toe-tapping songs throughout the show, Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle's rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ completely stole the show, the song serves a powerful message of hope and resilience for marginalized communities and reflects on the hardships these communities face. The raw passion, vocal strength and emotional depth of this performance had me utterly captivated, it was truly spectacular.
Katie was the perfect Tracy, with authenticity and charm, her energy lit up the stage and was electrifying, she made Tracy feel relatable but managed to keep the full comedic effect. Neil Hurst brought Edna's character to life and beautifully articulated her journey from a shy and self-conscious woman to an empowered individual. He brought warmth to the role, had a natural rapport with the audience and with perfect comedic timing had the auditorium roaring with laughter throughout.
The staging brought the show to life with contrasting set pieces and with good use of lighting changes to effectively help tell the story whilst maintaining the momentum of the show, creating an immersive and dynamic experience. The hairspray can special effects were a great addition that seemed to go down well with the crowd and added to the dramatic and comical effect of Edna’s arrival. It was also great to see the orchestra on stage at times and have them visible while they received their warranted roaring applause.
Overall, the show is a comical masterpiece that focuses on themes still relevant today. This show proves the rhythm of change, is impossible to ignore.
Photo credits: Pamela Raith
For upcoming shows at The Bristol Hippodrome click here.
Article by:
Kay has lived in Bristol for just over 4 years and is a paediatric nurse currently on maternity leave. Away from work she loves all things creative and travel and loves watching musical theatre after a childhood of performing herself.
