Reviewed by Ellie Philpotts

LetÔÇÖs face it ÔÇô sometimes everything can seem like a bit of a stressor. So what better way to mark the start of the Easter holidays after a good few weeks of essays, deadlines and maybe attempted revision than by boogying your way into the 1960s? ┬á

Hairspray is somewhat of a classic ÔÇô even if musicals arenÔÇÖt your scene, you probably canÔÇÖt resist humming along to the beat of the old time classics including ÔÇÿYou CanÔÇÖt Stop the Beat’ and ‘Good Morning Baltimore!”.

Since the 1988 film, Hairspray has well and truly lasted the test of time. With a popular 2007 remake starring Zac Efron and Amanda Bynes and multiple on-stage versions, itÔÇÖs now CardiffÔÇÖs turn to play host to the retro energy of bouffant dos and catchy lyrics. Hairspray tells the story of typical teenager Tracy Turnblad, whose big dream has always been to dance on The Corny Collins Show. When she wins a role, the viewing masses are taken by her girl next door charm, and before long sheÔÇÖs propelled into the world of fame, where she stands out even more by using her personality to┬ábring some much-needed positive change to society.

Although the musical is bursting with fun, enthusiasm and all the colours of the rainbow, it actually has a more important underlying theme, commenting on one of the most pressing social issues American society has been confronted with ÔÇô that of racial equality. The image of Martin Luther King was presented to the audience, while the programme talked about the influence of figures like Obama and Rosa Parks, which was a brilliant way of adding a bit of historical context into the night.

Although there were a few technical difficulties, which could be expected for the debut performance, the entire cast couldnÔÇÖt have worked together more smoothly. Stand-outs had to be Freya Sutton, who was the perfect Tracy; showbiz dab-hand Claire Sweeney as Velma; and Jon Tsouras, embodying all the old-school charisma of Corny Collins. ┬á

All in all, the night proved that the #ThrowbackThursday hashtag on Instagram isnÔÇÖt needed when the entire theatre is transported into 1962. ┬áThe way in which┬áCardiff was transported into Tracey’s Baltimore, through the medium of razzle-dazzle; plenty of glitz and a generous helping of feel-good factor anticipated a highly entertaining evening.

For more information please see:  http://www.hairsprayuktour.com/