Hairspray

~ The Daily Express - 31/10/2007 ~

This joyous West End version, starring Michael Ball in the role of his life, makes it obvious why it swept the board at the Tony Awards.

At first Ball is scarcely recognisable as Edna, a put-upon laundress with a 54EEE bust.

It is only when she discovers big-haired glamour that Ball turns on the floodlights, knocking everyone else off the stage.

Don't expect effects or spectacle. This is good, honest song-and-dance fun, where the period pastels on the costumes and sets match the relentless up-beat of the lyrics and tunes.

But the biggest thing about it, apart from Ball's falsies, is its heart.