The producers of Hairspray the Musical have announced new 2021 dates for the eagerly-anticipated London Coliseum production.
Originally due to open at the London venue in April this year, the production will now begin its strictly limited 19-week season a year later on 22 April 2021 (ending on 29 August).
Featuring Michael Ball’s return to the role of Edna Turnblad, the flamboyant character which delivered the star his first Olivier Award, the production will co-star comedy favourite Paul Merton who will make his West End musical debut as Wilbur Turnblad.
Commenting on the new dates, Ball said: “Just like Edna’s famous roll-on foundation garments, it’s been a struggle but it’s finally going on, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Hairspray is the perfect show to help the West End rediscover its joy, energy, talent and relevance. Nothing says “we made it through” better than sitting in a theatre, watching a community facing the huge social issues of their day and conquer them with the help of family, friends, commitment and love… oh and some brilliant songs, spectacular dance routines and huge belly laughs. It’s just the antidote we need. See you there.”
Boasting the original award-winning creative team of director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, the production is also due to feature Lizzie Bea (Kinky Boots, UK tour) who will make her West End debut as Tracy Turnblad with Dreamgirls’ Marisha Wallace following her co-starring role in the original West End cast of Waitress by stepping into the role of Motormouth Maybelle. Former EastEnder Rita Simons (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) will take on the role of Velma Von Tussle and Grantchester’s Jonny Amies will play Link Larkin.
Hairspray at the London Coliseum is produced by Adam Spiegel Productions & Fiery Angel.
Based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters, the crowd-pleasing musical boasts music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan.
With Harvey Fierstein starring as Edna, Hairspray debuted to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and the leading actor award for Fierstein.
Premiering in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007, the show won four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and the Best Actor Award for Ball.
The production ran for two and a half years, closing in March 2010, but the beat carried on with the show hitting the road for a tour featuring Ball, alternating with Brian Conley and Michael Starke.
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.