Hairspray hits the high notes

HAIRSPRAY is a wonderful, vibrant musical based on the race wars of America in the 1960s and the dreams of a girl called Tracy Turnblad in Baltimore.

It is loud, fun and full of top class dancing, singing and tunes which was a real hit with the young Cheltenham audience.

This production by Director Paul Kerryson and choreographed by Drew McOnie was given a real wow factor by the excellent live orchestra at the rear of the stage.

Making her professional debut as Tracy, Katie Brace firmly put her mark on musical theatre and we are sure to see more of this excellent, loveable actress in years to come.

She exuded charm and talent as the larger than life lead easily taking the catalogue of well loved songs to new heights in this production.

Brenda Edwards as the firebrand Motormouth Maybelle was superb and had a remarkable voice which sent shivers down your spine as she stopped the show with her powerful voice which was matched with technically excellent dancing by the ensemble who all stood out.

The musical tells the story of Tracy Turnblad who wants to end racial segregation in Baltimore and have all colours dancing together on the hit TV show Corny Collins which was a must see show for '60s teenagers.

As Tracy finds acceptance from the black community and ultimately heart throb Link Larkin played by Ross Clifton she finds herself locked up with other protestors before breaking out and wowing the Corny Collins Show with her slick dance and song moves.

Standout performances came from Akeem Ellis-Hyman as Seaweed and the man mountain Alex Bourne as Edna Turnblad had the audience rocking throughout the show.

Paul Hutton was the excellent foil for Edna as her husband Wilber Turnblad giving a welcome comic relief amidst the deep message of the show - integration not segregation.

We should all be a bit more Tracy Turnblad.