You couldn't stop the Hairspray beat in Derry’s Millennium Forum

From the opening, instantly recognisable bars of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ - complete with animatronic rodents and the flasher who lives next door - right through to the infectiously joyous ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’, Hairspray had The Derry News and the rest of the exuberant Millennium Forum audience in its Ultra Clutch hold.

Hairspray is an American musical with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wirrman, with a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan; it is based on the John Waters 1988 comedy film of the same name, starring Divine and Ricki Lake. 

Following the musical’s phenomenal stage success, a film of the musical starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden was released in 2007.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, Hairspray is the story of “chubby communist girl” Tracy Turnblad (Katie Brace) who dreams of dancing on the ‘The Corny Collins Show’. 

When she gets put in detention with the African-American students at school, they teach her some of their dance moves. As a result, Tracy wins a spot on the show.

Transformed from a nobody into a star, Tracy overcomes the odds and succeeds in her mission of racially integrating ‘The Corny Collins Show’ - with the help of teenage heartthrob, Link (Solomon Davy); host Corny Collins (Declan Egan); and Motormouth Maybelle (Vanessa Dumatey) - much to the chagrin of network producer Velma Von Tussell (Joanne Clifton) and her popular but nasty daughter Amber (Allana Taylor).

Tracy (Turnblad (Katie Brace) overcomes the odds and succeeds in her mission of racially integrating ‘The Corny Collins Show’.

The theme of racial segregation in 1960s America is subtly front and centred in Hairspray’s opening number in which two dance ensembles perform. 

The change in the air is hinted at when Tracy; her mother Edna (Neil Hurst); and The Dynamites (Grace Anyiam, Vanessa Dumatey and Sasha Monique) sing ‘Welcome to the Sixties’. 

Motormouth Maybelle’s powerful rendition of the anthemic gospel-style, soul song ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ brings a moment of solemnity to Hairspray, which would have resonated with Derry’s ‘We Shall Overcome’ generation. 

This production of Hairspray was co-directed by Brenda Edwards  - star of ITV’s Loose Women and We Will Rock You, at the London Coliseum - and Paul Kerryson. 

We also welcomed back to The Millennium Forum, Joanne Clifton as Velma Von Tussell.  No stranger to the Forum’s stage, Joanne appeared as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical last year.  

Joanne is perhaps best known for her time on the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’ After winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship, she joined the show as a professional dancer. 

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Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

During her time on the show she performed in the ‘Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour,’ won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd, and went on to win the glitterball trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba.

It was refreshing to actually see the Hairspray orchestra. The fabulous musicians performed on stage, as opposed to the pit - they were cast as the resident band in the ‘The Corny Collins Show’ when the stage was transformed into a TV studio.

My favourite part of the whole brilliant production was the duet ‘Timeless To Me’ sung by Tracy’s father, Wilbur (Dermot Canavan) and mother, Edna (Neil Hurst). Where they improvising? Did they break the fourth wall by accident? I wasn’t sure but their performance was hilarious, clever and heartwarming. 

Five Stars for Hairspray at the Minnennium Forum.

A special mention must go to the youngest member of the Hairspray cast, Dynamite, played by Shaniquah Notice-Morris  - a star is indeed born.

The overall staging of Hairspray  - the performances, choreography, lighting, animation, music, costuming, sound - was excellent. The instant standing ovation was completely deserved. 

Bravo too to the Millennium Forum for, once again, bringing a production of such impeccable quality to the city.