Picture: Pamela Raith
The hit Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson-directed production of Hairspray will embark on its second major UK and Ireland tour in 2027.
Choreographed by Oliver Award winner Drew McOnie, the production which marked former X Factor finalist turned musical theatre star Edwards’ (Chicago, We Will Rock You) directorial debut alongside original director Kerryson will open at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in July 2027.
After starring in the previous tour, Neil Hurst (Fat Friends The Musical, UK tour, Evita, Leeds Grand Theatre) will reprise his performance as Edna Turnblad in the production which will play the Manchester venue from 2-19 July 2027.
Produced by Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale and Laurence Myers, the production will follow its launch run in Manchester by visiting Glasgow King’s Theatre (20-25 July 2027), Edinburgh Playhouse (27 July to 1 August 2027), Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (3-7 August 2027), Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (9-14 August 2027), Belfast Grand Opera House (16-21 August 2027), Southend Cliffs Pavilion (24-29 August 2027), New Wimbledon Theatre (31 August to 4 September 2027) Liverpool Empire (13-18 September 2027), Bradford Alhambra Theatre (20-25 September 2027), Sunderland Empire (27 September to 2 October 2027), Milton Keynes Theatre (4-9 October 2027), Malvern Theatres (11-16 October 2027), Birmingham Hippodrome (25-30 October 2027), York Grand Opera House (1-6 November 2027), Leicester Curve (8-13 November 2027), Brighton Theatre Royal (15-20 November 2027), Woking Theatre (22-27 November 2027) and Bristol Hippodrome (10-15 January 2028).
Commenting on the production, Edwards who played Motormouth in three tours of Hairspray before stepping into the role of director, said: “I am so thrilled that this wonderful musical is returning to cities across the UK as it holds a very special place in my heart! I had so much fun making my directorial debut as a co-director with Paul Kerryson first time round. The show’s story and themes continue to remain as relevant as ever and I cannot wait to share this vibrant new production of this timeless musical with even more people.”
The creative team for the production also includes set and costume designer Takis and lighting designer Philip Gladwell, with sound design by Ben Harrison, musical supervision and arrangements by Ben Atkinson, musical direction by Richard Atkinson, projection design by George Reeve, casting by Grindrod Burton and resident direction by Juliet Gough.
Based on cult filmmaker John Waters’ 1988 film which starred Divine and Ricki Lake, Hairspray boasts music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and a 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 Michael Ball.
The touring production featuring direction by Kerryson and choreography by McOnie launched at Leicester Curve in 2015.
Angela Thomas
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