If spectacular choreography, singalong tunes and dancing in the aisles are your thing (and even if they’re not), then grab a ticket for Hairspray now!

The plot is from another era, depicting issues of racism, segregation and sizeism that might not be tackled in anything approaching a lighthearted manner today - but this production does not shy away from reflecting the effect of prejudice on society.

A ‘pleasantly plump’ 16-year-old, Tracy Turnblad (Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby) knows that she has little, if any, chance of realising her dream of appearing on local teen-dance television programme The Corny Collins Show, but this doesn’t stop her from trying. In detention at school for her unacceptable beehive hairstyle, Tracy plots with fellow students to change attitudes to race and physical appearance - starting with Corny’s TV series.

And so the fun begins…

This award-winning production continues the tradition of Tracy’s mother, the gloriously over-the-top Edna Turnblad, being played in drag (by Neil Hurst). Edna and her husband Wilbur’s (Dermot Canavan) innuendo-filled interaction is a highlight, as is Motormouth Maybelle’s (Michelle Ndegwa) rendition of Big, Blonde And Beautiful.

Fans of Strictly will be thrilled to see Joanne Clifton as Velma von Tussle, the villain of the piece. Allana Taylor plays Velma’s catty blonde bimbo of a daughter, Amber - the perfect contrast to Tracy’s loyal best friend and supporter, Penny (Freya McMahon).

Link Larkin (Solomon Davy) and Seaweed (Shemar Jarrett) steal the show with their energetic and accomplished performances, as does Little Inez (Katlo).

The songs, performances, set and costumes are funny, loud and strangely irresistible. Surely even the hardest of hearts would leave the theatre with a smile on their face.

Hairspray cannot fail to delight both dedicated lovers of musical theatre and those who are yet to be totally convinced of its joys. For a wonderful evening of escapism and delights, this is the one to watch.

Five stars

Hairspray was reviewed by Rachel Smith on Tuesday 17 September at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until this Saturday (21 September).