Hairspray

[Sild]

I'm going to the touring version with a couple of mates when it comes to Manchester in July - Michael Ball is only doing selected cities (Manchester included), so be careful when booking as you might end up with Conley or Jupitus.

Les Dennis is going to be Wilbur Not everywhere though, so I'm hoping we're spared him.

[TurnerPrize]

Ohh, this seemed like one of the better ones for thick women and unimaginative gays

(I actually really want to see it still)

[RobotBoy]

The closure spurred me on to finally book tickets. I'm seeing it next Thursday. I can't wait to see my childhood idol Belinda Carlisle stumbling through a score she's incapable of singing!

[Christian]

Ohh, this seemed like one of the better ones for thick women and unimaginative gays

(I actually really want to see it still)

HRRRRMPH

It's actually a brilliant realised screen to stage (to screen) adaptation with a fantastic score. Beats crap like Footloose and the imminent Flashdance into a COCKED HAT

[Malteaser]

I might be seeing the touring version too in Glasgow depending on how ticket prices are - and if I can get someone to come with me, of course! Hopefully seeing 'Blood Brothers' next week in Glasgow as well (even though I caught it in London last month - was so good I'm doing it again).

[cwej]

Saw this last night. It did lose some of its sparkle because Phill Jupitus was not even a THOUSANDTH of Michael Ball, who has pretty much made the role his own on stage.

And Belinda Carlisle, bless her, was REALLY bad. 'The Legend Of Baltimore Crabs' is really all about the personality, and while she sang it OK, she didn't give it ANY personality whatsoever.

The young cast made up for it a bit (though Link was FUGLY), but while it was still a great show it wasn't nearly as good as the first time I saw it a couple of years ago.

[Christian]

I was thinking of a return visit in view of it closing but I don't think I'll bother now.

It was only a passing fancy in any event. I wouldn't mind hearing Sharon D. Clarke belt out that big number in Act Two though, the name of which entirely escapes me right now.

[Sild]

I Know Where I've Been

[Christian]

That's the one, thanks Sild. Such a rousing track, I was quite moved when I saw it in the show. The film version didn't quite hit the spot sadly

[cwej]

I was thinking of a return visit in view of it closing but I don't think I'll bother now.

It was only a passing fancy in any event. I wouldn't mind hearing Sharon D. Clarke belt out that big number in Act Two though, the name of which entirely escapes me right now.

I knew I recognised her but couldn't think why!

I actually didn't like her performance of I Know Where I've Been that much (though it's ALWAYS my favourite song in the show). It was overblown and a bit hysterical. I mean... I STILL cried, because I always do when that song is done, but I preferred Queen Latifah's - not as good a singer, but I found her version in the movie really moving... she didn't go overboard, and I also like the setting of it, with the protest march, in the movie, more than just singing around Maybelle's kitchen.

[cwej]

I am the campest man in the world. I actually find Hairspray the BEST ALBUM EVER when I'm preparing to go out.

[Molicious]

Aaah

[monsta]

Oh I am pleased I'm getting to see it with Dame Michael Balls. I had such a great time seeing it with the original cast although we did miss Good Morning Baltimore since I took the wrong turn in Soho.

Correct me if I'm wrong but does Mickey Dolenz have a touch of Downs?

[Sild]

Full casting has been announced for the national tour of Hairspray, which kicks off at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on 7 April 2010 (previews from 30 March).

Joining Michael Ball, Michael Starke (replacing Phill Jupitus) and Brian Conley, who will alternate in the role of Edna Turnblad are: Les Dennis (Eurobeat) as Wilbur, Danny Bayne (Grease is the Word) as Corny Colllins, Liam Doyle (High School Musical 2) as Link Larkin and Laurie Scarth as Tracy Turnblad.

Other cast members include: Sandra Marvin (Motormouth Maybelle), Gillian Kirkpatrick (Velma Von Tussle), Wayne Robinson (Seaweed), Emma Dukes (Penny Pingleton), Clare Hulse (Amber Von Tussle) and Seliza Sebastian (Little Inez).

No escaping Les Dennis then. And Sinbad from Brookside as Edna? The mind BOGGLES. Thank fuck I've got a Michael Ball date.

[Star]

I've just been offered a £15 ticket for this next Thursday, should I go? I've seen it already. And surely for £15 I'll be sitting on the roof?

[RobotBoy]

I had a terrible seat for £15 - far end of the row in the second row of the upper circle. Still though... £15 is nothing.

[Star]

Yeah true, I've already seen it a ocuple of times though, although I would love to see Belinda and Sharon D Clarke in it, I think I'll refuse.

[cwej]

We think Belinda might have finished.

And though Sharon was good, I didn't think she was AMAZING actually.

[dUb]

[VoR]

Poor Nikki

[cwej]

That is really sad