Just thought I would post my thoughts having seen Hairspray again for the third time last night, this time with Mum as her Christmas present. She gets to the WE only very rarely and is a big MB fan so has been excited about this for weeks. I had really wanted everything to be perfect and was massively relieved when we finally arrived and saw on the screen in the foyer that we had a full cast with no understudies. Our seats were in the front row of the stalls (excluding the daily seats) and were on the central aisle – perfect

It has been a very busy and difficult three months since since my last visit and I had forgotten a little of just how terrifically enjoyable the show is. If anything, it has gone from strength to strength in this time. MB was on fabulous form, Ian Talbot proved to be a very successful replacement for MS and it was impossible to tell from Ben and Leanne’s stunning performances that they had not had a day off in nearly two weeks. The show has endless potential for rewatching as there is so much going on on stage that you can always spot something new. They have also made one or two tweaks with, for example, more made of the line “And I’m....Link!”.

You all know the show so I will pick out only a couple of elements. Firstly ‘It Takes Two’. Whilst Ben’s vocal was perfectly fine I have heard him sing it better in previous shows. However everything else about the number was absolutely stonking. It was a kick-ass performance, brimming with confidence and swagger. It was by far the best that I have seen him do the number and he played the supercool heartthrob to perfection. Another element that leapt out at me was the chemistry between Ben and Leanne. It has always been obvious but seems to have got stronger and they were utterly believable and very appealing as a couple. The final element was ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’. Having managed with only the edited RVP version for the last few months (liked the dancing, not so keen on the vocals) it was fantastic to see the original and much superior version. It is a storming finale and I remain in awe of dancers who can produce that level of energy at the end of two and a half hours.

So did Mum enjoy it? Well she left the theatre wearing the streamers that shot out of the Hairspray can at the end of the show and was still wearing them when we got to the tube station..... She loved it. All of it. She even liked Tracie Bennett (I still haven’t quite managed this yet). She thought Ben gave a fantastic performance, was rather taken with Seaweed and thought Leanne was amazing. The show definitely has a new fan.

One final thought is that the audience was absolutely amazing last night. Other than Annoying Cackling Woman behind me, they were tremendously enthusiastic and very well-behaved. People were getting to their feet before MB took his first bow and very quickly there was a full standing ovation. The huge roar at the end of the encore was louder than I can ever remember in a theatre and after it was over everyone stayed clapping and dancing until the orchestra finally stopped playing.

It was a storming night, and to all the cast a huge thank you.

Queenie x

What a lovely review Shoequeen,
It's great that your mum loved the show. I am going in 3 weeks and think I am in the seats where you were! My daughter and I can't wait to see Ben and hubby is a big MB fan so we should all be happy. I am really looking forward to the feel good factor which seems to radiate from the show as I could do with cheering up. I am crossing off the days on the calander now!

You'll have the best time lewisH no one can leave without a big grin on their face.

Posted by Rachel ( a lee fan) on ben's fansite and forum and posted with permission.



Ok i shall start with one word which sums up the whole show..............

WOW

I could leave it at that but obviously you all want to hear about it!

I'll start with Leanne - Her voice wasnt as strong as i expected it to be. After seeing her at the W.O.S awards i was really excited about her as Tracy, but i wont use the word disappointed, cos she didnt disappoint me, her voice just wasnt as strong as i expected it to be.
Otherwise i loved her, she dances well, acts well, sings well and has amazing chemistry with Ben, Michael and Ian.
Is also a lovely person, she stopped and signed my programme for me afterwards.


Michael Ball was Fan-tabby-abulous! Wow wow wow!!! Amazing, fabby, stupendous, super dooper, brilliant, excellant!! During 'Timeless to me' He and Ian started to corpse, was hilarious, the whole audience was laughing along and clapping them!! Loved his comic timing. Wish he was able to use his voice more, but what he did was Top! Thumbs Up

Ian- Having not seen Mel Smith i had nothing to compare to. But i thought Ian was again Fan- tabby- abulous, he fitted the role perfectly!

Tracie Bennett - Ok had heard mixed reviews on her and after hearing her speech at W.O.S was dubious, but i was surprised! She isnt going to get any of the adjectives that the others have been given, but i thought she was good in the role and she sung well!

The Rest of the Ensemble/cast - Loved them all Seaweed, Penny, Amber - All awesome fab singers, dancers. Loved Elinor as Penny.

BEN Does Amazing, fabby, stupendous, super dooper, brilliant, excellant, fantasmical, awesome, stunning, wonderfully fantastic cover it?!?!?!?
Seriously the boy rocks! LOVED him, wanted to woop and cheer him the whole way through! (i didnt i was good! )
I couldnt take my eyes off of him at all adored his solo and almost melted into my seat with 'Without Love' .
Had to laugh though at the end after the did the encore of 'Don't stop the Beat' he waved and as he went to go off stage, before he turned round he clearly said 'God i'm knackered'! Raise eyebrow Laugh Laugh Laugh Think you're ment to wait until you're out of earshot of the audience before you say things like that Ben!!!!!!

Afterwards as we were heading to the station, we just happened to find the stage door!

There were a group of girls waiting who were about 15/16 and one of them had a birthday, so very excited, (they had a rather cool pink Limo waiting) they kept calling all the cast by their characters names!! Roll Eyes Anyway Ben appeard and i was rather surprised they didnt mob him, so beacuse of this he almost got away!! But not a chance with me their!! Nah i was very nice! I called out to him and asked if he had a couple of seconds and he graciously said of course he did, then he signed mine and my friends programmes and i took the opportunity to tell him i had met him outside Joseph when Lewis was Joe. It took him a while but he did remember me and then he was really sweet asking how i was and asking if i had enjoyed the show. I think he mentioned something about me leaving Joseph! Blink
Then the girls cottoned on to him being there and came and mobbed him, but none of them had a pen so he asked me if he could borrow mine! Naturally i smiled sweetly and said yes! Becca
One of them asked him to sign her arm No Idea He asked her if she wanted her ticket signed rather than her arm! But she insisted she wanted her arm signed! Ermmm
Got a fab pic on my phone which i sent to Twingle already! So if she hasnt already posted it i will upload it and post later.

Also met Rachael Wooding and Leanne, Adrian was outside for ages talking to mates so didnt like to go over to him.
AND I MET MICHAEL BALL!!! Bouncy Am more squeeey about that than anything else!!!! Laugh Laugh
He snuck out hidden under a cap and we almost didnt recognise him, but i started to go over to him and then he came to me and said Did i want my programme signed, then got a pen from his buddy who ever he was No Idea He didnt want to use mine even though i had told him i was organised!! Roll Eyes
He asked if we had enjoyed the show. He had a few fans who he obviously recognised waiting for him, so he went to chat to them and we left happily squeeing and singing 'Dont stop the Beat' !!! Laugh

Woops hope you're all still with me!!!!!!

I saw the matinee show on Thursday 28th Feb and it was so fantastic I want to see it again very, very soon.

It was a birthday present from a friend and my sister, our friend and myself went to see the show even though my sister and I have not seen the film starring John Travolta so we had nothing to compare it too.

We had great seats Row D, I think about 5 rows from the front on the right hand side of the stage. The audience were quite lovely.

Our friend bought one of the pink feather boas and we took some photos in the theatre of us all wearing it. Looked great. A couple of ladies in front used our camera to take some more photos of us, really kind and then we waited for the show to start at 3 pm.

At 3.10, we were told by the announcer on the PA system that there had been a technical hitch and that we should all wait in our seats.

At 3.15/3.20ish, we were then told that the leading actress who should have played Tracie Turnblad was now indisposed and an understudy would be playing the part.

After that, the show suddenly started and we were away. From the first tune, to the last one, it was high energy, fantastic singing, great dancing and a marvellous, marvellous show.

I loved every minute of it.

The highlights for me were Michael Ball, he stole every scene he was in, especially during the bit with the fashion designer, Mr Pinky and the fantastic scene with Ian Talbot where they sing, You're timeless to me was just sublime, extremely touching, funny and great singing.

Once you got used to seeing Michael Ball in a dress, he was an absolute revalation. Superb in every aspect of it and thoroughly enjoying himself. I have liked Michael for years and seen him in many productions but this was a part I think he was born to play. He just gave a faultless performance.

Praise also must be given to the young lady who stepped in at the last minute to play Tracey Turnblad. She was really good, sang her song very well and was great at dancing.

Was impressed with Ben Ellis too. He wasn't one of my favourites on Any Deam Will Do, so I was pleasantly surprised to see how professional he was on stage, with great dancing ability, good singing and he looked great too.

The other dancers such as Seaweed and also Tracey's friend were brilliant too and everyone came out the theatre feeling very uplifted and as though they had all joined in with a really great party.

At the stage door, Michael was unable to come out and meet the fans because of him having to get ready again quickly to do the evening show. Ben came out and signed autographs and had his photo taken with people but was very quiet. Guess it was because the show was late starting, he was tired or just didn't feel much like chatting with people on that occasion. Was still nice to see another Joseph face to face though.

Can't wait to get tickets to see the show again.

I had a fab, fab time and would recommend this show to everybody.

Love Siouxsie xxx

Oh I am so glad you have seen the show and enjoyed it.

I have seen both Leanne and the understudy Charlotte in the role and Charlotte has a stronger voice but Leanne just gives the performance more oomph and the chemistry between her and Ben is really hot!! The angels have a group trip a week tonight .

Do you mind if I put your review in Ben's mansion (name for his website!!)and credit it to you of course?

Does anyone know if there is going to be a cast album? I thought they would do one considering it's the first UK production of the musical, and I would so love a copy.

Saw the show again a couple of weeks ago, having first seen it in November - I thought Ben's singing voice has come on in leaps and bounds, it is really strong. Also Ian Talbot is a great addition to the cast - he and Michael corpsed during 'Timeless to Me', and they and the whole audience were practically crying with laughter! Other standout for me still has to be Seaweed, superb singer and dancer (and looks hot too )

Absolutely fabulous night out, all the WOS awards are wholeheartedly deserved.

Unfortunately if there is already a Broadway Cast recording they tend not to do a UK one ... which is a real shame because in the case of the UK casts of Hairspray and Avenue Q ... they are MUCH better (in my humble opinion) than the OBC.

Think of all the Michael Ball and Ben Ellis fans would who buy it!!!!

I do have the Broadway recording, but it definitely isn't the same. I did think much of the UK cast were better as well (of course just my humble opinion too!) I thought maybe there would be a chance as this is the first UK production, whereas I know with Joseph there have been lots of previous recordings both in the US and UK (though I'd really like a cast album with Lee). You're right, there would be a big market for it.

Hi Shelly

Glad you enjoyed it again. I think MB and IT corpse even worse than than MB/MS did in that number! I have seen the show three times and have yet to see MB get through it without laughing.

Also, for those who like hearing about amusing minor mishaps, the night I saw it, the flame from Ben's cigarette lighter went out almost immediately at the start of the prison cell scene meaning he was looking for Tracy in the dark (!) and the cell door bounced open again, but they were both right there and shut it immediately (whilst continuing to sing about how on earth they were going to get Tracy out of jail!!)

But there is also the recent film music out. I bought it and every time I listen i just wish I could hear the OLC recording. I know I am baised but I so prefer Ben's voice to Zac's and of course Michael's to John Travolta!!

Aah thanks for lovely post Twingle. Very interested to read your comments about Charlotte and Leanne. Would be great to see Leanne in role next time to compare, especially to see the chemistry between her and Ben.

Hope the angels have a fab time at their group trip a week tonight, can't wait to hear all about it.

Yes, that's fine for you to post my review in Ben's mansion and credit it to me. Very happy for you to do this.

Have a great weekend, love Siouxsie xxx

Wooo - hoooooo!

Many congratulations to all at 'Hairspray' which has just won the following Olivier Awards;

Best New Musical
Best Actor in a Musical - Michael Ball
Best Actress in a Musical - Leanne Jones
Best Supporting Role in a Musical - Tracie Bennett

Hurrah! Thoroughly deserved!

Oh and many congrats to ALW who picked up the Society's special award

Aw Lovelee Angel Shoequeen you beat me to it!!

Congrats to Michael, Leanne and Tracie and the Hairspray gang. Now can we have an OLC recording . PLEASE!!!!!!

*offers twingle and the other angels a glass of bubbly*

Oohh! That was my 1,000th post! *helps self to a glass of bubbly*

mmm nice vintage congrats to hairspray and shoequeen.

Saturday 8 March evening - I went to see Hairspray last night and had an absolutely fantastic time - here is my review! Hope there's enough room on the thread and I don't break it - so much too tell - hope its not too long!

Saturday dawns wet and windy but who cares - I'm off to see Hairspray today! This will be the 4th time I've see the show and I'm surprised to find I feel as excited as I did the first time I saw it, if not even more so.

I'm going with 2 friends who haven't seen the show before, never watched ADWD and haven't heard of Ben (where have they been - on another planet?)

Finally its 7pm and we arrive at the theatre - there is a "house full" sign outside and about 30 people are queueing for returns. Rush in the foyer to look for a list of understudies on the box office window praying Link Larkin won't be NT - there is no list there - hopefully no understudies then - I try to read the screen but it moves too fast for me to see Link. I decide to check with the box office asking if Ben will be in the show tonight. The woman behind the counter looks at me as if to say "you're the 100th person to ask me that!" She replies that he was in the matinee so he should be in the show tonight

The theatre is absolutely full including all the boxes and there is a wide range of age groups too. No sooner we sit down than the show begins - Leanne always gets the show off to a great start - her singing is brilliant and already the audience are lively and involved. Next, "the nicest kids in town" - fantastic to see Ben again - he always gives 110% but tonight it seems more like 120% - he is on brilliant form - full of energy, enthusiasm and bounce! There are 3 teenage girls sitting alongside me - I can tell immediately that that they are Ben fans - and when he shouts "and I'm Link" the girls start screaming and - much to my surprise I find myself screaming too - feel very embarrased!

I have vowed, on the fourth attempt to try and spot Neil "Fender" Toon. Haven't managed to do so so far as I'm always captivated by Ben and can't take my eyes off him. No luck this time either - when Ben is on the stage his stage presence seems so strong that he just takes over and in the group numbers its like everyone else is painted into the background! (I do finally spot Fender in "Detention" when he is sitting at the back not doing anything much?! )

Fast forward to "It Takes Too" - Ben's voice is note perfect and I don't think I've ever heard it so strong before. Chemistry between Ben and Leanne is fantastic tonight. Whole audience are cheering at the end of the song!

Then on to the dodge ball game - Ben is looking superfit and has added some new stretches! - The teenage girls next door to me are whistling - manage to stop myself whistling too this time! He's full of energy throwing the ball into the wings so hard I'm fully expecting it to rebound back on to the stage. Love the bit when Link goes to help Tracy and she says "where am I - wherever it is don't change the channel!" Think we can all identify with that...

Loving Welcome to the 60s and Seaweed in "Run and Tell that".

Really enjoy Tracie Bennett's performance tonight - she seems to be putting more into the part than previously.

On again to the record shop and I can't help but notice that Ben has the audience "in the palm of his hand" - you could hear a pin drop as everyone waits to hear whether Link will stay with Tracy or not - fantastic acting from him!

Lovely to see Michael Ball back in the show - he was on holiday last time I went in December and I had forgotten how fantastic he is. Really liked Ian too - they seem to work well together and find Ian more light hearted and fun than Mel. Timeless to me brings the house down with plenty of bursts of applause throughout the song!

Then on to "Without Love" - this is still my favourite part of the show - I love the way Link comes out of the shadows with the lighter - Ben's voice is so strong again and the audience are loving it - they seem to particularly like the bit when be breaks Tracey out of the prison cell - all the dancing in this so is so full of energy and love the bit when Ben spins on his knees!

I really like "I know where I've been" - the song has grown on me each time I have listened to it and Johnnie Flori is great tonight!

Fast forward again and the girls next to me scream with surprise/excitement when they see Ben and Seaweed run alongside that audience - I scream too!

Finally and all too soon we're on to "You can't stop the beat" The audience are all on their feet cheering at the end of the first verse - well before MB appears! We never sit down again - I look around me and absolutely everyone - young, old and in between - has a smile on their face and they all seem to be dancing - people are leaning out of the boxes - enjoying the show so much they look in danger of falling out of them! I have only ever been to matinees before and the atmosphere at tonight's show is absolutely electric !!

It seems no one wants to the show to come to an end and all the cast get a huge cheer - especially Ben who looks absolutely thrilled! When he goes to bring Leanne down the steps at the end of the show he does a huge jump onto the steps! At the end of the show Ben and Leanne are the last to leave the stage - fists in the air they just don't seem to want the show to end! And neither does anyone else - after they have gone people still seem to be waiting in the hope they will come back again - sadly they don't.

After its over we are shown out through the exit nearest the stage door. I've never been to the stage door before but have always wanted to, and I've never met Ben. Manage to persuade friends to stay. There are about 30 people there all ages and gradually more arrive - all age groups - some want autographs, some photos and some just curious! An old lady next to me comments that she never thought she would turn in to a stage door groupie!

Clutching my camera, programme and a pen that works I'm hoping that some of the cast will come out the door soon so I can try and get an autograph. Leanne comes out first and signs a few programmes including mine - yipee. She then disappears of with friends. Then I see Michael Ball in a white baseball cap. He seems full of fun but in a bit of a rush. Got him to sign my programme too - hurray! A lady asks for a photograph with him her friend whose taking it can't get the camera to work - MB shouts out good naturedly - its easy just point and press the button - still no luck and friend is getting into a panic - its just not working! MB takes the camera off her and points it and himself and the lady to be photographed and takes the picture himself!! Easy he cries as he hands back the camera laughing. He stays for a few more photos and autographs and then is driven away!

Still plenty of people waiting - and of all ages - then suddenly there's a buzz of excitement as someone spots Ben through the window as he comes down the stairs - a few seconds later he comes out of the door to a really big cheer! Immediately people are going up to him asking for photos and autographs and he seems happy to oblige. Then I decide to see if Ben will sign my programme too - yes, he signs it for me. Feeling brave, I decide to ask if I might be able to have a photo too and he replies "of course"! Quickly hand the camera to my friend to take the picture - (subsequently "lose" this picture on my camera - accuse friend of pressing the off button rather than the photo button! Very cross - then scroll through the photos again and find it - hurray - apologise to friend - lovely picture of Ben, not very lovely picture of me!! )

After my photo I am surprised to find I'm still standing next to Ben and he seems to be free so I decide to say congratulations on winning the award and ask whether he is going to the Olivier Awards on Sunday to which he replies "we're not going but we are performing" - not sure what he means by that.

Next thing 2 girls come over to ask Ben to sign their programmes - but they have no pen and neither does Ben. I still seem to be standing next to Ben so I quickly offer him my pen which he signs their programme with and gives back. Then I spot a little girl standing behind Ben holding up her programme to be signed - he has not noticed her so I point her out to him - and guess what, she's got no pen - so I give Ben my pen back again - I feel like Ben's Stage Door PA! Ben bends down to the little girl and comments that she is very quiet and has she enjoyed the show - little voice replies "yes I loved it"! Then suddenly a panic - I keep lending Ben my pen but has he signed my programme? We check and he shows me he has signed it! Ben then has a quick look round to check no one is waiting for a photograph or autograph - no all done - he says thanks, goodbye and disappears off into the night. He was very happy and smiley and so nice in making the time to for everyone.

At that point I hurry off to the station with my mind full of Hairspray , my heart full of Link , "can't stop the beat" in my head , can't wait to see the show again
- sorry must dash - off to buy some more tickets!!

Fabulous review Mary . thanks for sharing

What a fantastic review Mary. Really felt as though we were all enjoying the evening with you. Sounds as though you had a brilliant time.

I've raved about the show to everyone I can think of.

Can't wait to see it again.

Love Siouxsie xxx

And congratulations to Hairspray for winning Best muscial at last nights Oliviers and Michael Ball for Best Actor, Leanne jones , best actress and Tracie Bennett best supporting role.

Well done hairspray for more well deserved awards

*passes round bubbly and also toasts Shoe's post number*

Loved Hairspray again last night .

Love Edna

Love Tracy

Bit disappointed that Seaweed was played by the understudy because Adrian is soooooooooooooooooooooooo sexy but he did a good job.

Ben is a complete star. Totally gorgeous, talented and the nicest bloke you will ever meet.

Outside the stage door I said to him that my 12 year old wouldn't come over but had really enjoyed the show. Ben said Oh I'll go over to him and say hello, crossed the road towards him, shook his hand and chatted. Such a nice unexpected gesture. My husband was really impressed when I told him this morning.

And all my friends want to go so I'll be booking more tickets!!!

Thanks you Angels for letting me come on your trip. Hope you enjoyed your chat with Ben - he was really pleased to see you.

Another week another trip to hairspray

Show was terrific again last night, we had a few understudies Terel was on for Adrian as Seaweed(which we were expecting). He has a lovely voice but isnt really the sexy leader of the pack like Adrian.

Ben was on super charged Tigger form, when he leaps off the steps in you cant stop the beat and during bows he almost needed oxygen he went so high.


It was a lovely angel evening - with some lovelee infiltraction.

top night last night, so fab to get together with everyone again.

The show was amazing (as expected! ) I thought Terel did great, but as previously said he's not quite as sexy as Adrian. Michael Ball was in top form....we even got a flash of his suspenders...hilarious!

Ben was fantabulous....totally threw himself into the performance and is every inch the teen heart-throb he plays :thud:

Stage dooring was hilarious with the hats....thank gawd the police came along and interrupted the talk of a group hat photo with Ben! :blink: hahaha

Roll on the next time!

Another fantastic show- who would have thought it was the 2nd show of the day!!

The whole cast were on fire and loved all the extra bits - whether deliberate or adlibs who cares!!

Whatever Ben is on - I want some!! And so gorgeous to tell us that knowing we were there supporting him gave him extra oomph!!

I did miss Mel Smith's rubber facial expression although the new Wilbur is a much better singer and dancer.

Great night thanks to everyone who came and of course the cast and Ben