Bilston Can't Stop The Beat With The Ultimate Feel-Good Musical, Hairspray

Bilston Operatic Company returns to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 10 – 14 November with the feel-good Broadway and West End smash hit musical Hairspray.

Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters. With music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards. The show is set in Baltimore in 1962 where the fifties are out and change is in the air, the show is about removing prejudices and standing up for what you believe in. Teenager Tracy Turnblad uses her new-found fame to fight for equality on a popular TV show.

For this production, Rebecca Lutter will play Tracy Turnblad and is joined by Adam Starr as her mother, Edna. Phil Jackson completes the Turnblad family as Wilbur. Francesca Holt plays Penny Pingleton, Jason Andrew Guest is Seaweed and Jack Cottis will play heartthrob Link Larkin. Alicia Barnes is Amber Von Tussle and Niamh Allen is Velma Von Tussle. Adam Lacey will play Corny Collins, Laura Wynter is Motormouth Maybelle, Jaida Gordan-Smith is Little Inez and Prudy Pingleton is played by Sarah Houghton.

The rest of the cast features energetic local performers in ensemble roles. Laura Canadine returns as Producer/Choreographer and Musical Direction is by Ian Stephenson.

Bilston Operatic Company, established in 1927, performed annually at The Theatre Royal in Bilston for 30 years before moving to the Grand Theatre where they have performed ever since.  Productions in recent years have included Peter Pan (2014), Annie (2013), Hello Dolly (2012) and A Christmas Carol (2011). The society also has a youth company who recently performed Little Shop of Horrors at Dormston Theatre.

Hairspray runs at Wolverhampton Grand from 10 to 14 November, to book tickets click here or call 01902 429 212.