Hairspray musical to tour in 2027 – with initial casting confirmed

Exclusive: The multi-award-winning musical Hairspray will be back on tour across the UK and Ireland next year!

This will mark the second outing for the production directed by Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson. Edwards, who has previously played Motormouth in three tours of Hairspray, commented: “I am so thrilled that this wonderful musical is returning to cities across the UK as it holds a very special place in my heart! I had so much fun making my directorial debut as a co-director with Paul Kerryson the first time round. The show’s story and themes continue to remain as relevant as ever, and I cannot wait to share this vibrant new production of this timeless musical with even more people.”

Hairspray is based on the 1988 film of the same name and features music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. It tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, who longs to dance her way onto national TV, win the heart of teen idol Link Larkin, and use her newfound fame to fight for equality in a racially segregated Baltimore.

The score features such hits as “Welcome to the 60s”, “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat”.

Neil Hurst will reprise the role of Edna Turnblad for the new tour, with further casting to be announced.

The production will feature choreography by Drew McOnie, set and costume design by Takis, lighting design by Philip Gladwell, sound design by Ben Harrison, musical supervision and arrangements by Ben Atkinson, musical direction by Richard Atkinson, projection design by George Reeve, and casting by Grindrod Burton. The associate director is Juliet Gough and the associate choreographer is Shaquille Brush.

Produced by Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale, and Laurence Myers, Hairspray will open at Manchester Palace Theatre (2 July to 19 July 2027), before heading to Glasgow Kings Theatre (20 to 25 July), Edinburgh Playhouse (27 July to 1 August), Cardiff Wales Millenium Centre (3 to 7 August), Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (9 to 14 August), Belfast Grand Opera House (16 to 21 August), Southend Cliffs Pavilion (24 to 29 August), New Wimbledon Theatre (31 August to 4 September), Liverpool Empire (13 to 18 September), Bradford Alhambra Theatre (20 to 25 September), Sunderland Empire (27 September to 2 October), Milton Keynes Theatre (4 to 9 October), Malvern Theatres (11 to 16 October), Birmingham Hippodrome (25 to 30 October), York Grand Opera House (1 to 6 November), Leicester Curve (8 to 13 November), Brighton Theatre Royal (15 to 20 November), Woking Theatre (22 to 27 November) and Bristol Hippodrome (10 to 15 January 2028). Additional venues will be confirmed soon.