Based on the 1988 film of the same name, the stage adaptation of Hairspray continues to enthral and delight audiences around the world, and last night worked its magic on the theatregoers of Wolverhampton.

Since premiering on Broadway 21 years ago, the show has won numerous prestigious awards, including eight Tonys and four Oliviers, bagging Best New Musical in both.

Touching on the racial prejudice prevalent in 1960s America, the musical reminds us of the power we have to challenge discrimination and oppressive attitudes in any social context.

The story is set in 1962 and follows the adventures of the lovable Tracy Turnblad, a ‘pleasantly plump’ 16-year-old with a bouffant beehive hairstyle, who dreams of finding her ideal man and becoming famous by dancing on the Corny Collins Show on national TV. But before too long, she finds herself chasing far bigger ambitions, successfully leading a campaign to bring racial integration to her favourite TV show.

Katie Brace gives an outstanding and high-energy performance in the lead role, with her exceptional vocals hitting all the right chords. Her opening rendition of Good Morning Baltimore sets the scene for the whole show.

Solomon Davy plays Tracy’s unexpected love interest, Link Larkin - a teenage heartthrob & singer who is also influential as a member of the Corny Collins Show Council. Davy is confident and charismatic in the role, his impressive singing and dancing skills fabulously highlighted in solo number It Takes Two.

Great chemistry and perfect comic timing ensured that Neil Hurst and Dermot Canavan - playing Edna and Wilbur Turnblad respectively - received the biggest laughs last night. Hurst continues the tradition of playing Tracy’s agoraphobic, kind hearted, plus-sized mother in drag, whilst Canavan perfectly conveys Tracy’s father’s quirky and fun-loving nature. The couple’s wonderfully funny duet, You’re Timeless To Me, saw them giggling on stage, which quickly set off the audience, too!

Last night, Sasha Monique was standing in for Michelle Ndegwa, and was stunning as the sassy and strong-willed Motormouth Maybelle. Her renditions of I Know Where I’ve Been and Big, Blonde And Beautiful were two of the show’s many highlights.

Fans of Strictly, meanwhile, are sure to enjoy Joanne Clifton as the villainous Velma von Tussle, who produces the Corny Collins Show and is scheming to make a star out of her bratty and untalented bimbo of a daughter, Amber (played by Allana Taylor). Amber provides the perfect contrast to Tracy’s loyal best friend and supporter, Penny (Freya McMahon, making her professional debut in Hairspray). Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now is sung to significant effect by Tracy, Amber and Penny as they plead with their mothers to be allowed to follow their dreams.

Outstanding performances and impressive voices - supported by a live-on-stage band - are accompanied by slick choreography and colourful costumes.

All in all, this latest touring production of what is a truly heartwarming and fun-packed musical is an absolute must-see show.

Five stars

Hairspray was reviewed by Sue Hull on Monday 3 February at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, where it shows until this Saturday (8 February). Now nearing the end of its current UK tour, the show can be seen for a final time in the Midlands when it plays Malvern Theatres from Monday 3 to Saturday 8 March.