How Long is Hairspray The Musical? Run Time and More for 2024
Hairspray The Musical is a vibrant and energetic production that has a running time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. This includes a short interval, making it a perfect length for an evening’s entertainment. Want to know more about the show? Well keep reading as we’ve got you covered!
Key Takeaways
- Running Time: Hairspray The Musical lasts for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a short break.
- Plot: The musical follows Tracy Turnblad, a girl from the 1960s who uses her fame from a popular dance show to advocate for racial integration.
- UK Tour: Hairspray The Musical will be touring the UK in 2024 and 2025.
What is Hairspray the Musical About?
Set in the 1960s, Hairspray The Musical tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with even bigger hair and an unyielding spirit. Tracy lives in Baltimore and has one dream – to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show.
Tracy’s journey begins when she auditions for a spot on the show and, against all odds, wins it. This is where she meets the show’s reigning princess, Amber Von Tussle, and her ambitious mother Miss Baltimore Crabs. Despite their efforts to undermine her, Tracy’s infectious spirit and impressive dance moves quickly win over the audience.
But Tracy wants more than just fame. She wants to use her platform to make a difference. She advocates for racial integration on the Corny Collins Show, a bold move that stirs up controversy in the town.
Tracy’s fight for equality is supported by her lovable and supportive parents, Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, her shy best friend Penny Pingleton, and dynamic duo Motormouth Maybelle and her son Seaweed J. Together, they help Tracy in her mission to transform the show and, in turn, their town.
The musical is filled with catchy hit songs like Good Morning Baltimore, Welcome to the 60s, and You Can’t Stop the Beat. These songs, combined with energetic dance numbers, bring the story of Tracy Turnblad to life on stage.
In essence, Hairspray The Musical is a story of dreams, dance, and the drive for equality. It’s about a girl who dared to dream big, dance her heart out, and make a difference in her world. It’s a story that continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the world of musical theatre.
Age Recommendations
When it comes to enjoying a musical like Hairspray, it’s important to consider who the show is suitable for. The age recommendation for Hairspray The Musical is 10 years and older. This is because the musical deals with themes and historical events that may be complex for younger children to understand.
Content Warnings
While Hairspray The Musical is a vibrant and uplifting show, it’s important to note that it does tackle some serious themes. The musical is set in the 1960s, a time when racial segregation was prevalent in the United States. As such, the show does not shy away from depicting this reality.
The character of Tracy Turnblad uses her platform on the Corny Collins Show to advocate for racial integration, a move that stirs up controversy and conflict. This can lead to intense scenes that may be emotionally charged.
Additionally, the musical addresses the issue of body shaming. Tracy, being a big girl, faces ridicule and rejection because of her size. However, she remains unapologetically herself, teaching a valuable lesson about self-love and acceptance.
While these themes are handled with care and ultimately serve to promote a message of equality and acceptance, they may be distressing for some viewers. Therefore, it’s recommended that parents or guardians consider these content warnings before deciding if the show is appropriate for their children.
Hairspray UK Tour Dates
Want to watch the show in a theatre near you? Well Hairspray the Musical is Touring the UK throughout 2024 and 2025.
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Manchester Palace Theatre | 16th July – 27th July 2024 |
| Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre | 29th July – 3rd August 2024 |
| Canterbury The Marlowe | 6th August – 10th August 2024 |
| Cheltenham Everyman Theatre | 13th August – 17th August 2024 |
| Liverpool Empire Theatre | 19th August – 24th August 2024 |
| Belfast Grand Opera House | 26th August – 31st August 2024 |
| Milton Keynes Theatre | 2nd September – 7th September 2024 |
| Southend Cliffs Pavilion | 9th September – 14th September 2024 |
| Birmingham Hippodrome | 16th September – 21st September 2024 |
| Leicester Curve | 23rd September – 28th September 2024 |
| Brighton Theatre Royal | 30th September – 5th October 2024 |
| Edinburgh Playhouse | 7th October – 12th October 2024 |
| Sheffield Lyceum Theatre | 14th October – 19th October 2024 |
| New Wimbledon Theatre | 21st October – 26th October 2024 |
| York Grand Opera House | 28th October – 2nd November 2024 |
| Nottingham Theatre Royal | 4th November – 9th November 2024 |
| Newcastle Theatre Royal | 11th November – 16th November 2024 |
| Hull New Theatre | 18th November – 23rd November 2024 |
| Bradford Alhambra Theatre | 25th November – 30th November 2024 |
| Southampton Mayflower Theatre | 6th January – 11th January 2025 |
| Hall for Cornwall | 13th January – 18th January 2025 |
| His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen | 20th January – 25th January 2025 |
| Glasgow’s Kings Theatre | 27th January – 1st February 2025 |
| Wolverhampton Grand | 3rd February – 8th February 2025 |
| Norwich Theatre | 10th February – 15th February 2025 |
| Aylesbury Waterside | 17th February – 22nd February 2025 |
| Bristol Hippodrome | 24th February – 1st March 2025 |
| Woking New Victoria | 31st March – 5th April 2025 |
| Venue Cymru | 7th April – 12th April 2025 |
| Sunderland Empire Theatre | 14th April – 19th April 2025 |
Final Thoughts
Hairspray The Musical is more than just a show. It’s a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and the power of dreams. With its catchy tunes, vibrant characters, and a storyline that touches the heart, it’s no wonder that the musical has won the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Whether you’re drawn to the story of Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big hair and an even bigger dream, or you’re a fan of the energetic dance numbers, there’s something in Hairspray The Musical for everyone.
