Performing the 1960s feel-good musical at London Oratory School

In Hairspray, it's 1962 — the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion — to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, The Corny Collins Show and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray!

The production features an original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Direction by Damian Sandys, with Christopher Peake as Musical Director and Della Bhujoo as Choreographer.



“Hairspray is one of the best written musicals of the twenty first century”, says Damian. “It has it all - wonderfully bold and colourful characters; a fantastic, witty book; music that is irresistibly infectious and, above all, a gigantic heart.”

“It's a huge pleasure to be working with Cygnets for the first time. We had (literally) hundreds of auditionees and the standard of cast is so, so high. As a professional director, it's not about replicating the West End production, but, together with Della and Chris, finding our own original take on the material to create a production that is unique to this cast and company - and I am delighted with the path it's taking.”

“Across these last few weeks, as we start piecing it all together, it's a tremendously exciting time and I cannot wait for audiences to come and share it with us.”

The musical-comedy phenomenon inspired a major motion picture and won eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Tickets £16 (£14 concessions) can be bought from the Cygnet Players box office on 07941 448689 or via www.cygnetplayers.com/box-office. For group bookings (10 or more tickets) we would be able to offer a discount – email info@cygnetplayers.com or call the box office for further information.

The production runs from Wednesday, 17 February to Saturday, 20 February at the London Oratory School Theatre, Seagrave Road, SW6 1RX. Performances are nightly at 7.45pm with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee



February 12, 2016