You can’t stop the beat in Shropshire as Get Your Wigle On present a high energy version of the Broadway musical Hairspray at Theatre Severn this week.
A crowd full of support for the local actors, singers and musicians enjoyed a bold and fun opening night last night – which ended with a dance for all the audience.
Robyn Marsh put in a faultless display as Tracy Turnblad in the 1960s musical full of big hair, big dresses and big songs which looked to prove that race, size or popularity are no issue.
Director and choreographer Ross Wigley – who also plays the role of Link Larkin – has put together an enthusiastic cast who have clearly spent hours in rehearsals to take Shropshire to 1962 Baltimore.
It’s hard to believe members of this amateur group may still be in school studying for exams before turning into American – with convincing accents! – stars each evening.
The story of stardom and romance for lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad was enjoyed by school children, parents and grandparents in a mixed audience who gave a standing ovation when it finished.
Particular praise too for the tap dancing talent, Lotty Holder who plays Penny Pingleton, Adam Langford who plays Seaweed and the incredible voice of Motor Mouth Maybel – played by Diane Drummond.
The only unfortunate part of the show was an issue with sound which left me finding it difficult to follow what was being said or the words to some of the songs, but hopefully this can be corrected for all other audiences to enjoy.
So if you fancy dancing, wiggling in your seat or at least foot tapping for an evening, Hairspray will do it.
The show is on every night until Saturday at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets cost £18.50 to £16.50, £12.50 concession.
More info at: https://www.theatresevern.co.
Get your wiggle on always welcomes new members to the company and have opportunities to audition for an upcoming musical Sister Act (Feb 2018), email info@wigles.co.uk.
