Hairspray the Musical UK Tour: Dates, Venues and What to Expect
Welcome to our guide on the Hairspray The Musical UK Tour. This musical is a feel-good classic that has won multiple awards worldwide. It’s back on tour in the UK, and we’re here to give you all the information you need.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the show, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the plot, tour dates, cast, running time, and age recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- Hairspray the Musical UK Tour: The award-winning musical is back on tour in the UK, with a plot cantered around Tracy Turnblad, a girl with a passion for dance and a dream to make a difference.
- Tour Dates and Venues: The tour runs from 16th July 2024 to 19th April 2025, covering various venues across the UK, including Manchester Palace Theatre, Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre, and Sunderland Empire Theatre.
- Cast and Running Time: The cast features Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby as Tracy Turnblad and Neil Hurst as Edna Turnblad. The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The Plot
What is Hairspray the Musical about? The musical is focused on Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream. Tracy lives in Baltimore and has one passion: dance. She longs to show off her moves on the Corny Collins Show, a popular local TV dance program.
One day, Tracy gets the chance to make her dream come true. She impresses Corny Collins himself with her spirited dancing and lands a spot on his show. This is where the hit songs like “Good Morning Baltimore” and “Welcome to the 60s” come alive.
But Hairspray is more than just a musical about a girl who wants to dance. It’s a story about the fight for equality during a time of segregation. Tracy befriends a group of black dancers, led by Seaweed J and his mother Motormouth Maybelle, who are fighting for their right to dance on the Corny Collins Show every day, not just on “Negro Day”.
Tracy, her parents Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, her best friend Penny Pingleton, and her new friends stand up against the show’s racist policies. They challenge the show’s producer, Velma Von Tussle, and her daughter Amber, who are determined to keep the show segregated.
The musical is filled with memorable characters, catchy songs, and energetic dance numbers. It’s a celebration of the power of music, the determination of one girl to make a difference, and the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right. It’s a story that resonates with a new generation and remains timeless.
Hairspray The Musical Tour Dates
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| 16th July – 27th July 2024 | Manchester Palace Theatre |
| 29th July – 3rd August 2024 | Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre |
| 6th August – 10th August 2024 | Canterbury The Marlowe |
| 13th August – 17th August 2024 | Cheltenham Everyman Theatre |
| 19th August – 24th August 2024 | Liverpool Empire Theatre |
| 26th August – 31st August 2024 | Belfast Grand Opera House |
| 2nd September – 7th September 2024 | Milton Keynes Theatre |
| 9th September – 14th September 2024 | Southend Cliffs Pavilion |
| 16th September – 21st September 2024 | Birmingham Hippodrome |
| 23rd September – 28th September 2024 | Leicester Curve |
| 30th September – 5th October 2024 | Brighton Theatre Royal |
| 7th October – 12th October 2024 | Edinburgh Playhouse |
| 14th October – 19th October 2024 | Sheffield Lyceum Theatre |
| 21st October – 26th October 2024 | New Wimbledon Theatre |
| 28th October – 2nd November 2024 | York Grand Opera House |
| 4th November – 9th November 2024 | Nottingham Theatre Royal |
| 11th November – 16th November 2024 | Newcastle Theatre Royal |
| 18th November – 23rd November 2024 | Hull New Theatre |
| 25th November – 30th November 2024 | Bradford Alhambra Theatre |
| 7th January – 11th January 2025 | Southampton Mayflower Theatre |
| 13th January – 18th January 2025 | Truro Hall For Cornwall |
| 21st January – 25th January 2025 | Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre |
| 27th January – 1st February 2025 | Glasgow King’s Theatre |
| 3rd February – 8th February 2025 | Wolverhampton Grand Theatre |
| 10th February – 15th February 2025 | Norwich Theatre Royal |
| 17th February – 22nd February 2025 | Aylesbury Waterside Theatre |
| 24th February – 1st March 2025 | Bristol Hippodrome |
| 3rd March – 8th March 2025 | Malvern Theatres |
| 10th March – 15th March 2025 | Derry Millennium Forum |
| 24th March – 29th March 2025 | Dartford Orchard Theatre |
| 31st March – 5th April 2025 | Woking New Victoria Theatre |
| 7th April – 12th April 2025 | Llandudno Venue Cymru |
| 14th April – 19th April 2025 | Sunderland Empire Theatre |
Hairspray the Musical UK Tour Cast
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Tracy Turnblad | Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby |
| Edna Turnblad | Neil Hurst |
| Velma Von Tussle | Joanne Clifton |
| Amber Von Tussle | Allana Taylor |
| Motormouth Maybelle | Michelle Ndegwa |
| Link Larkin | Soloman Davy |
| Corny Collins | Declan Egan |
| Little Inez | Katlo |
| Seaweed | Reece Richards |
How Long is Hairspray the Musical?
The running time for Hairspray The Musical is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. This includes an intermission, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, grab a refreshment, or chat about the show’s highlights so far.
Age Recommendations
Hairspray The Musical is a family-friendly show that can be enjoyed by all. However, it’s recommended for ages 10 and older. This is due to some adult themes and mild language used in the show.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need about the ‘Hairspray The Musical UK Tour’. From the plot and cast to the tour dates and age recommendations, we’ve covered it all. Now, all that’s left is for you to enjoy the show.
So, book your tickets, sit back, and let the magic of ‘Hairspray’ transport you to 1960s Baltimore.
