Review
'Come on Ipswich let's dance' - Hairspray makes strong Regent return
The talented cast of Hairspray took to the stage at the Ipswich Regent on Monday, August 23, 2021 - Credit: Mark Senior
On Monday evening, the touring production of hit feel-good musical Hairspray, delighted a large audience at the Ipswich Regent Theatre.
Starring former X Factor contestant and Loose Women presenter Brenda Edwards, Hairspray was simply the perfect musical to bring the feel good factor back to the theatre in St Helen's Street.
In only the third week of their tour the talented cast gave an energetic performance and seemed to be loving every single minute of being back on stage.
Hairspray tells the story of loveable Baltimore teenager Tracy Turnblad who has big dreams of going to college, performing on stage and marrying heartthrob Link Larkin.
Though undeniably an uplifting tale, Tracy's journey examines tough subjects of racial inequality, bullying and body image - but she takes it all in her stride and ultimately teaches the audience a lesson or two about acceptance and love.
Brenda Edwards as local radio personality Motormouth Maybelle, gave an absolutely barnstorming vocal masterclass - the audience was clapping before she had even finished her empowering performance of 'I Know Where I've Been'.
Another highlight was the duo of Norman Pace as Wilbur Turnblad and Alex Bourne as his wife Edna, who had themselves and the audience in stitches as they sang (You're) Timeless To Me.
Most Read
- 1 Severe delays on A14 and Orwell Bridge after wheel falls off ambulance
- 2 Lorry recovered after overturning on A14 roundabout at Felixstowe
- 3 Two hour delays on A14 after road closed near Felixstowe
- 4 5 businesses opening up in Ipswich soon
- 5 Driver taken to hospital after three-car crash on A12 near Ipswich
- 6 Taco Bell plans set to be approved
- 7 A14 slip road closed near Ipswich after BMW catches fire
- 8 'The food at this new Ipswich restaurant tastes amazing'
- 9 Child taken to hospital after collision with car in Ipswich
- 10 Memorial match for colleague killed outside takeaway
And if you are looking for a star in the making, Akeem Ellis-Hyman as Seaweed, had talent in abundance, his dancing and charisma had me feeling jealous that I wasn't his love interest Penny Pingleton.
I have been lucky enough to see Hairspray at the Regent previously and a fantastic version performed by the Irving Stage Company at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds.
My 'date' for the evening however, had only ever seen the 2007 film version starring Zac Efron and John Travolta.
She loved it and like the rest of the audience was up on her feet dancing, clapping, and cheering along at the end as Katy Brace, who played Tracy shouting: "Come on Ipswich let's dance."
If you are looking for a show that will make you feel better about life, Hairspray continues its run at the Regent until Saturday, August, 28.
Tickets are available on the Ipswich Theatres website - ipswichtheatres.co.uk.