HAIRSPRAY at the Coliseum
Michael Ball will recreate his Olivier winning role
MICHAEL BALL
who returns to his legendary role of Edna Turnblad will be joined by LES DENNIS as husband Wilbur Turnblad.
LIZZIE BEA to perform the iconic role of Tracy Turnblad, MARISHA WALLACE stars as Motormouth, RITA SIMONS as Velma Von Tussle and JONNY AMIES as Link Larkin
Hairspray to begin performances Monday 21st June 2021 | London Coliseum
Entertainment legend Les Dennis is to join the huge-hearted new production of Hairspray the Musicalwhich is set to play a limited season at the magnificent London Coliseumfrom Monday 21st June – Wednesday 29thSeptember 2021 (Press Night: Tuesday 29th June).
As a comedian, impressionist, game show host, reality TV star, soap, screen and stage actor, Les Dennis’ showbiz career has spanned 50 years. Now, he is to return to the West End in the multi-award-winning smash hit musical as Wilbur Turnblad having previously performed the role on tour. He stars alongside Michael Ball, who returns to his legendary, Olivier Award–winning role of Edna Turnblad.
Les replaces Paul Merton in the role of Wilbur. Following the delay to the production because of the pandemic, Paul is unfortunately not able to join the company due to long-standing scheduling commitments.
Lizzie Bea will star in the iconic role of Tracy Turnblad. Lizzie’s credits include a UK Tour of Kinky Boots and a performance in the world premiere production of Becoming Nancy in Atlanta (Alliance Theatre).
Acclaimed West End star Marisha Wallace will take the role of Motormouth. Marisha won rave reviews when shetook over from Amber Riley in the smash hit Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), and also starred in the original West End cast of Waitress (Adelphi Theatre).
Her spine-tingling lockdown recording of a gospel-inspired version of the Strouse and Charnin track ‘Tomorrow’ was originally released in support of struggling theatre professionals – but its message of hope in troubling times proved a tonic for the nation. Following BBC Radio 2 airplay and the track reaching Number 2 in the Download Charts, Wallace was subsequently signed by Decca where the release of her debut album (Tomorrow) saw powerhouse performances follow on Strictly Come Dancing and the Royal Variety Performance.
Rita Simons (Eastenders’ Roxy Mitchell) and Jonny Amies (Granchester on ITV; Sex Education on Netflix/Eleven Film) will also join the cast as Velma Von Tussle and Link Larkin respectively.
Liverpool born Les Dennis came to prominence as a comedian in the 1970s after honing his craft on the northern Working Men’s Club circuit and turning pro after a winning set on New Faces. He became a stalwart of Saturday Night TV in the 80s and 90s, starring in TV comedies including The Russ Abbot Show and The Les Dennis Laughter Show performing sketches and impressions, and most famously as the host of Family Fortunes between 1987 and 2002 on ITV.
In recent years Les has enjoyed a busy career as an actor, starring with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and in numerous hit plays and musicals in the West End and on tour, as well as playing a regular role for two years on Coronation Street.
Despite the pandemic, Les has kept busy, filming a travel series for Channel 5, a guest lead in the Jimmy McGovern drama Moving On and a starring role in the Christmas Special of Birds of a Feather. He is excited to be able to return to the stage in 2021.
The full company includes Georgia Anderson, Kimani Arthur, Dermot Canavan, Lori Haley Fox, Mari McGinlay, Ashley Samuels, Michael Vinsen and Imogen Bailey, Pearce Barron, Jordan Benjamin, Joel Cooper, Luke George, Christopher Gopaul, Bradley Judge, Winny Herbert, Lily Laight, Madeleine Lawton, Holly Liburd, Will Luckett, Mireia Mambo, Kody Mortimer, Robyn Rose, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Amy West and Natalie Woods.
Baltimore, 1962. Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and big dreams. Can she make it on the local TV dance show, win the heart of teen heartthrob Link Larkin and bring everyone together – whatever their colour, size or hairdo? Well if you want a change, you’ve really got to shake things up!
With the original award-winning creative team of director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, and featuring the infectiously feel-good songs ‘Good Morning, Baltimore’, ‘Big, Blonde and Beautiful’ and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’, this inspirational, fun-loving and fabulously uplifting musical sensation is back and bigger than ever.
The original New York production of Hairspray won three Tony Awards, including Best New Musical, whilst the original West End production won four Olivier Awards, also including Best New Musical, as well giving Michael Ball one of his two Olivier Awards for Best Actor in a Musical.
Hairspray is produced by Adam Spiegel Productions & Fiery Angel.
READ our review of Hairspray at the Shaftesbury in London in 2007
LISTINGS INFORMATION
HAIRSPRAY
Book Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan
Director Jack O’Brien
Choreographer Jerry Mitchell
Music Marc Shaiman
Lyrics Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Costume Design William Ivey Long
Set Design David Rockwell
Casting Jill Green
LONDON COLISEUM
London Coliseum
St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2N 4ES
TICKETS
Box Office: 020 7845 9300
Group booking line: 020 7845 9300
Access booking line: 020 7845 9300
Group rates Available, exclusion apply.
Ticket prices start from £17.50
BOOKING ONLINE
SEASON DATES
Monday 21stJune – Wednesday 29thSeptember 2021
PRESS NIGHT
Tuesday 29thJune at 7.30 pm
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Monday No performances (except for 21st June)
Tuesday 7.30pm
Wednesday 3pm and 7.30pm
Thursday 7.30pm
Friday 7.30pm
Saturday 3pm and 7.30pm
Sunday 4pm (except for 27th June)
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: @HairsprayLondon
Twitter: @HairsprayLondon
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