About the show
Please note that Paul Merton will not perform on the following dates:
Thu 23 April 7.30pm, Thu 30 April 7.30pm,
Thu 07 May 7.30pm, Thu 14 May 7.30pm,
Thu 21 May 7.30pm, Thu 28 May 7.30pm,
Thu 04 June 7.30pm, Thu 13 to Sat 22 August (inclusive).
Hairspray starred Ball during its run at the Shaftesbury Theatre from October 2007. The show is based on John Waters' 1988 film. It was adapted for stage and premiered on Broadway in 2002, going on to win eight Tony Awards in 2003. The West End transfer earned four Olivier Awards. Among its most famous songs are “Good Morning Baltimore”, “Big, Blonde and Beautiful” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat”.
Set in Baltimore, the story follows Tracy Turnblad, a starry-eyed dancer who is about to audition for a part on her favourite television show. It turns out that the studio isn’t the idealistic haven she had imagined, but with her burgeoning showbiz success comes a thrilling push for social change.
Michael Ball’s glittering career includes his Olivier Award-winning turn in Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and the role of Marius in Les Misérables.
Ball is joined by Kinky Boots and Becoming Nancy star Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad, comedian Paul Merton as Wilbur Turnblad (Dermot Canavan on selected dates), EastEnders and Everybody's Talking About Jamie star Rita Simons as Velma von Tussle, and Marisha Wallace, who most recently appeared in Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre, as Motormouth Maybelle.
Hairspray is directed by Jack O’Brien (Into the Woods, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and is choreographed by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots). The book comes from Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan.
Big hairdos, bigger dance moves and even bigger heart: Hairspray has it all. Catch it during its limited run at the London Coliseum from 23 April 2020.
Recommended for
Those who didn’t manage to see Hairspray at the Shaftesbury a few years ago won’t want to miss this chance to see the brilliant Michael Ball in a role he has made his own. If you’ve already seen it, go again! This is top-notch entertainment with an important message at its core.Age Recommendations: TBC
