Hairspray Gets Extra Hold Before London???

While Spamalot’s transit may be hastened, the transfer of another Broadway musical seems to have hit a hitch. Casting calls went out earlier this month for Hairspray, which was due to open in the West End in October/November, following rehearsals from September. But this past weekend auditions were cancelled as the London production was put on hold. Apparently, producers are still trying to sort out problems with transporting a set from North America. Premiered on Broadway in August 2002, Hairspray won eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Based on John Waters' cult 1988 film and set in 1960s Baltimore, it tells the story of geeky teen Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair, a big heart and a big stage mother who finds celebrity on a TV dance programme. The musical was originally tipped for a spring 2003 transfer to the Victoria Palace and, more recently, was expected at the Cambridge Theatre, which has been dark since the February closure of Jerry Springer (See The Goss, 13 Jan 2005).

Got some goss? Contact gossip@whatsonstage.com

Related Content