TV and Theatre star Claire Sweeney and Benidorm's Tony Maudsley were amongst the talent assembled at Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre this Tuesday as they launched smash hit musical 'Hairspray' ahead of the show's run at the Alex this December.

Actress Sweeney, who is no strangers to musicals, having performed in such shows as Tell Me On A Sunday, Dirty Dancing and Legally Blonde: The Musical, jovially hosted the event, which saw patrons, friends and local media treated to a selection of performances from the hit show, a Q&A session with the cast and a special preview of what's to come when the hilarious, upbeat show opens in Birmingham on December 14th.

TV veteran Tony Maudsley (Benidorm) jokily quipped of how easy he found the process of 'dragging up' in order take on the role of big-busted and even bigger-hearted Edna Turnblad. Maudlsey is pairing up with former Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan, who will be playing Edna's quirky but adoring husband Wilbur, and the duo gave a taste of things to come with a charming, funny rendition of the show's 'Timeless To Me' duet. Former X-Factor contestant Brenda Edwards, who has since carved out a successful career on stage in shows such as We Will Rock You and Chicago, will be playing activist Motormouth Maybelle, and rose the roof with a stunning performance of the character's signature 'I Know Where I've Been' number. 

The new tour's producer, Matthew Gale, also addressed Birmingham audiences, promising them the same heartfelt, vibrant and dazzling show that has made Hairspray one of the most successful new musicals of the 21st Century, whilst also promising some improvements over even the recent, multi-award-winning West End production.

In all, there is a tremendous amount to be excited for when Hairspray arrives for it's Christmas vacation in Birmingham. Andrew Lister, General Manager of the Alex, quite rightly addressed the venue, which has recently undergone over £1 Million in renovative works, including a stunning new Piano Bar lounge redevelopment, as being 'the home of the West End musical at Christmas', following on from previous Christmas shows at the theatre having included Ghost: The Musical, Jersey Boys and 9 to 5: The Musical.

With Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's fantastic, memorable soundtrack, an important, ever-relevant story that champions equality and diversity, and a brand new production featuring a terrific cast portraying a host of lovable characters, Hairspray is shaping up to be one of the absolute must-see theatre fixtures in the Midlands this festive period.

 

HAIRSPRAY runs at the NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM from Monday 14th December 2015 through to Saturday 2nd January 2016.

CLICK HERE for more information on the show's run at the New Alexandra Theatre and to book your own tickets!

Alternatively, telephone the theatre's booking line direct on 0844 871 3011.

 

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