Hairspray at Buxton Opera House: Unmissable magic and a vocal powerhouse – a must-see feel-good hit
The opening night of Hairspray at Buxton Opera House was nothing short of electric. With toe-tapping tunes, dazzling choreography, and a message that hits home as powerfully today as it did in 1962, this is a show that grabs your attention – and your heart – from the first note and never lets go.
Set in racially segregated 1960s Baltimore, the story follows Tracy Turnblad, a plus-sized teenager with dreams as big as her beehive. She wants to dance on The Corny Collins Show, get the guy, and make the world a better place – one dance move at a time. Along the way, she fights discrimination, challenges stereotypes, and champions integration, proving that everyone deserves a chance to shine.
Tracy’s rise to fame, her fight for justice, and her unstoppable optimism are portrayed with infectious energy by a vibrant cast. But it’s Neil Hurst as Edna Turnblad who steals the spotlight – his performance is a comic masterpiece. Continuing the tradition for the role of Tracy’s mum to be a man in drag since Divines portrayal in the 1988 film. His duet with Dermot Caravan as Wilbur, You’re Timeless to Me, was not only hilariously touching but also featured a perfectly timed burst of ad-libbing that had the audience in stitches.
The energy in the theatre was palpable from the word go. The duets between each of the lead girls and their ‘mamas’ was a highlight in one of the opening numbers Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now.
Vocally, the show is sensational. Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle delivers powerhouse performances, with Big, Blonde and Beautiful and I Know Where I’ve Been; Her presence is commanding, and her voice soars. Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton dazzles as Velma Von Tussle, embodying the glamorous villain with poise and sass and exceptional stage presence, while Olly Manley’s Link brings a smooth, swingy charm reminiscent of Frankie Valli.
The entire ensemble cast here are brilliant with other standout performances from Allana Taylor (Amber Von Tussle), Reece Richards (Seaweed) and Freya McMahon (Penny Pingleton), and, Declan Egan as Corny Collins, perfectly portraying the host.
Paul Kerryson CEO of Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre directs along with Brenda Edwards who makes her directorial debut; Edwards has come a long way since reaching the semi-final of the X Factor in 2005, and, she played Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray in 2017 when we saw this show last in Buxton.
Hairspray is more than just a feel-good musical – it’s a celebration of love, acceptance, and standing up for what’s right. It’s a reminder that we all have dreams and we all deserve the chance to chase them.
The closing number You Can’t Stop the Beat had the audience on their feet, clapping and dancing like it was 1962 all over again. We cant be the only ones humming this all the way home…If you need a lift and want to feel the beat, go and see this un-missible show in Buxton while you can!
Hairspray is on at Buxton Opera House until Saturday 29th March 2025.
Tickets cost from £31. Most of the performances are on limited availability – however the matinee today (27th March) at 2.30pm still has some tickets available.
To find out more or make a booking, go to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk or contact the Box Office on 01298 72190.
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, SK17 6XN
T: 01298 72190
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