Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin
Themes of race relations and self-esteem bring gravitas to the frothy musical format in this West End production of Hairspray, happily housed Grand Canal Theatre. Based on John Waters' 1988 film, the stage production seems ironically aware that it will never shake the visual signature of its celluloid progenitor, and so set designer David Rockwell provides an homage to the original form with the clever use of a cinematic frame. The frame also cleverly draws attention to the significant role that television plays in Waters' story of a small-town community radicalised by the influence of rock and roll in the early 1960s.
If Jack O'Brien's high-spirited production seems a bit familiar, it is because the most well-known version of Hairspray– the 2007 blockbuster, directed by Adam Shankman – was as much influenced by O'Brien's stage version as it was by Waters' film. Micky Dolenz's Wilbur Turnblad is as close to the idiosyncratic-looking Christopher Walken as is humanly possible, while Michael Ball continues the cross-dressing phenomenon of Edna Turnblad's character. But the pair do find room for a little improvisation, and in their extended duet, Timeless to Me, they appear to be having as much fun as the audience.
As if playing on the audience's familiarity, meanwhile, Jerry Mitchell integrates some easily copied choreography ( Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now, in particular) into the action, and this perfectly complements Marc Shaiman's sing-along rock-and-roll score, although the Irish audience on press night were quite restrained.
Performances are for the most part excellent, even if vocals are occasionally strained by the sugar-coated delivery of key numbers. In particular, the villains are as super-saccharine as can be. It is an ironic reveal of their hypocrisy, but is a little grating on the ear.
Hairsprayis great fun, but there is a serious life-affirming message bound up in it too. In its cry against racism and skin-deep ideals of beauty, it is the perfect antidote to the monolithic contemporary fame-hungry culture promoted by reality TV like the X-Factor, and, ironically, Sky One's hugely successful Hairspray School Musical.
Runs until November 27
