Yesterday, for the third time in four months, I found myself sitting in a London theatre bemused at the effect that a television programme has had on me. Lee had been the perfect Joseph and Daniel had turned in a wonderful performance in ILYB so over to Ben...
I suspect I am not the only one who felt that the younger Josephs, however talented, were better served by doing very well in ADWD but NOT landing the part of Joseph for their first professional job given its high-profile launch, media pressures, critics unconvinced of the validity of the casting method and with the additional requirement of leading a company. It’s a huge task even for an experienced performer. With this in mind Ben seems to have landed a nigh-on perfect role; very prominent and with a chance to shine but where the success of the show does not rest entirely on his shoulders and he has an enormously experienced, well-known cast from which to learn a great deal.
Well, he has landed on his feet with ‘Hairspray’ because the show is a joy from start to finish; a wonderful spectacle provided by a talented and hardworking cast. It would be a fairly hard heart that wasn’t affected by the sheer giddy enthusiasm and bounce of it all.
Before the show, my only real casting concern was MB, a performer I have thought was fantastic for nearly twenty years. John Travolta had not convinced me of the benefits of having the role of Edna played by a man but MB produces a truly astonishing performance which made me feel rather bad for having doubted him. Utterly convincing as a woman, the role is played completely straight as he takes the character from defeated and withdrawn to confident and fabulous. Mel Smith as Wilbur is given rather less to do but does what’s asked of him extremely well and their ‘Timeless to me’ number brought the house down – something of an achievement as I really didn’t like it in the film.
So what of the two newcomers? Well Leanne Jones is an absolute knockout as Tracy and all the great reviews she has earned recently are more than deserved. She is simply sensational. Immediately likeable, spirited and determined, she is the heart and soul of the show and has a great voice.
So, to Ben. Well, he nails it, simple as that. The excited and starstruck newcomer of the rehearsal videos and blogs produces an accomplished performance that belies both his age and experience. The part fits him like a glove and the result of this, and a great deal of hard work, is a performance that is both technically strong and very charismatic. It was nerve-free, confident and delivered in a soft American accent that didn’t slip once. I don't mind saying that he had me at 'hello' or rather, at 'And I'm....Link!', his opening line in the show sung as part of the number 'The Nicest Kids in Town'. It's delivered to screams from the girls on stage and a fair few from the audience. Could there be a better line with which to start your professional career?
Vocally he sounded great; a lovely strong voice which was easily good enough for the role and he made a very nice job of ‘It Takes Two’, his big solo. His dancing however is fabulous. He made the most of what he was given on ADWD but there is a world of difference between what was required there and performing a highly technical, very energetic, choreographed MT number backed by a top-flight WE supporting cast. He delivers quite brilliantly on this count, and you can’t take your eyes off him during the big numbers.
Whilst the role is less substantial than Tracy's in terms of stage time, getting it right is crucial as her love for Link is motivation throughout much of the show. Ben therefore has to convince us that this is plausible and something to be cheered. He gets it absolutely right, balancing the swaggering confidence of the supercool heartthrob with the genuine appeal of someone worthy of Tracy. They have believable chemistry and make a very engaging couple. Despite being what I would guess is the youngest cast member, he looks entirely right for the part and a good deal older and slimmer than on ADWD. He is in fantastic shape, suits a quiff and is every inch the teen idol.
There are many other minor roles in the show that provide excellent support; Seaweed, Amber, Penny, Motormouth Maybelle etc. The only slight jarring note was Velma who I felt was played a little too much as a panto baddie rather than the vicious waspish character of the film.
The score is terrific throughout but the show benefits from one of the strongest numbers as the finale. ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ is as a good a crowd-pleaser as you will see anywhere on the stage and is just wonderful – the sort that sends you singing out into the street afterwards. It’s an astonishing final burst of energy from a cast that has been working their socks off for the last two and a half hours.
The standing ovation at the end (although eventual not immediate) was well deserved and I was close enough (front row) to see Ben’s expression as he took his applause. It was impossible not to warm to as he was, quite simply, in his element and loving every last moment.
Afterwards, as I walked towards the tube station (past Seamus and a friend!) I went past the alleyway with the stage door entrance. I stopped for a moment out of curiousity just as Ben appeared, signing autographs. Next thing I knew he was walking in my direction and as he passed, I couldn’t miss the opportunity so simply said “Congratulations. It was a
great show!” I got a lovely smile and thanks before he disappeared. I guess I don’t really do surprised well, because what I actually should have said is it was a glorious show and that Ben has made a stunning debut that he should be very, very proud of.
