Leicester Curve revives Hairspray with David Witts

Musical theatre powerhouse the Leicester Curve is staging a new production of Hairspray next year.

Running from 5 March to 5 April 2014 (previews from 28 February), the production will be directed by Paul Kerryson and feature EastEnders heartthrob David Witts as Link Larkin.

Hairpsray, which features hit songs "Good Morning Baltimore", "Welcome to the 60’s" and "You Can’t Stop the Beat", premiered in 2002 at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theater, going on to win eight 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Based on John Waters' cult retro 1988 film and set in 1960s Baltimore, it tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, who finds celebrity on a TV dance programme. Can she get the guy and still have time to change the world?

It received its West End premiere in 2007, starring Michael Ball as Edna Turnblad and Leanne Jones as Tracy, both of whom won WhatsOnStage Awards for their performances (two of the show's seven gongs).

Director Paul Kerryson is artistic director of Leicester Curve, where his credits include the forthcoming Chicago, as well as Piaf, Hello Dolly!, Gypsy, The Light in the Piazza, The King and I (also UK tour) and 42nd Street.

See Also: Our brief encounter with Paul Kerryson