Hairspray – LAOS The Musical Theatre Company at Leeds Grand Theatre THE first night performance of Hairspray, the latest production from this talented Society, received a standing ovation. Vibrant, colourful, superb choreography and detailed direction from Louise Denison gave the show such energy, which from an audience point of view was completely overwhelming. The orchestra of nine were brilliant, with Jim Lunt again the musical director. The music is tuneful, catchy and lively, and in the 60s style with ‘rhythm and blues’ and ‘spiritual’ and very enjoyable. Costumes were bright, colourful and looked good.

Hairspray is about the difficulties and social injustices of American society in the 1960s, and about Tracy Turnblad, a plump teenager who longs to dance and audition for a show. Tracy gets her wish and with her happy, caring nature manages to change more important things too.

This is a terrific company show with outstanding individual performances not least, Megan Elsegood as Tracy. She is joyful and expressive and delightful to watch, with a fine singing voice. The role of her mum, Edna, is traditionally played by a man, Michael Ball taking the part in the original London production. Seeing glimpses on TV, I could never see the point of this, thinking it would be pantomime dame-ish. How wrong. Richard Billings is fantastic.

One of the best numbers in the show was ‘Timeless to Me’ sung together with dad Wilbur Turnblad, played by one of my favourite people to be on stage with, the irrepressible Peter Whitley. Peter’s comic talent exceptional throughout the show. There was an engaging and easy feel performance from Timothy Gough as Link Larkin, his diction clear cut and precise. He has a strong and pleasing singing voice, and at first sight Tracy falls in love with him. The two worked well together.

Katie Melia was hilarious as Penny Pingleton, a really super performance. Her mum, Prudie, well played by Georgie Gladwyn is horrific when her darling daughter falls for a black boy, Seeweed Stubbs. His is an important role as leader of his black friends. Chris Knight has great dancing skills and a fine voice too. Pat Bell as Motormouth is superb, her beautiful singing voice smooth and rich, her dialogue heartfelt. A sparkling performance came from Lizzie Nunn as Amber. Only 18, a super dancer-singer, she was confident and bitchy in her dislike of Tracy. Over the top mum Velma, played by Susan Wilcock encouraged her spoilt daughter. Compere of the Corny Collins Show was the excellent Ben Walton.

Don’t miss it, it’s only on until Saturday. Evenings 7.15pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm, Special Family Performance on Friday at 5pm followed by an evening performance at 8pm.

By Val Pennett