Hairspray and Famous People

So you may have gathered by now that I'm a little bit of a theatre nerd. I always love attending, and would always rather watch a performance than a film. There is something magical about the theatre that can't be captured in camera- the atmosphere of the hall.

This week I went back to the Bristol Hippodrome to see Hairspray. If you've seen the film you'll already know what this is about, but for the benefit of those who have been deprived, I'll explain.

The story is based in 1962, where huge amounts of prejudice remain. Tracy Turnblad is an overweight teenager that dreams of dancing on the Corny Colin Show along side the teen idols that are regularly featured. She skips school to attend an open audition, but is laughed at and not allowed to audition, in the same way that a young black girl is treated. With white superiority still the norm, the show has a "negro day" once a month in which black dancers are allowed to join. Tracy meets the stars of Negro Day who help her to get on the show. Long story short she becomes famous and tries to change the stereotype.

So it's a rather far fetched fairytale but none the less a heart warming story, and the music makes it such a good performance. The dancers and the choreography itself is amazing, and the music is "sing-along-able" (if that wasn't a word, I've decided it is now!). 

Claire Sweeney, Dad and I

If the amazing acting and choreography wasn't enough, at the end Claire Sweeney (playing the mother of Tracy's rival) came off the stage and jumped on dad next to me (yes, it is possible to get a stitch from laughing too much, I did then!).

Tony Maudsley (literally the friendliest person ever!)

Throughout the whole show, the one distraction was the star studded cast. Tony Maudsley (who I'm reliably informed, played a homosexual hairdresser in Benidorm ???), Peter Duncan (from Blue Peter? Also the Encyclopaedia of Dad), and my favourite Layton Williams. If you've ever watched Bad Education and you remember the gay guy who was amazing at dancing, that's him. 

Layton Williams!!!!

With such a famous cast, we decided to wait around after the show to meet them. Mum and Dad were busy obsessing over Tony and Claire, and I froze just long enough to meet Layton Williams, have a cuddle and an autograph.

They were all so nice and did such a good show. If Hairspray is touring anywhere near you, drop everything and get tickets because believe me, it's a show you won't regret seeing!

Speak soon,

Love The Owlet 💜

You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, Facebook & Pinterest