Brisbane review - Hairspray: wonderfully entertaining
- Eric scott
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By David Wilson
Hairspray
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan
Directed by Deian Ping
Musical Direction by Nicky Griffith
Choreography by Julianne Burke
Presented by Queensland Musical Theatre
Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane
Season runs until 30 November 2025
Tickets are available through Queensland Musical Theatre or at
Ticket prices range from $49.50 to $66
Hairspray is a beloved American musical comedy, based on the 1988 John Waters film and later inspiring the hugely successful 2007 movie adaptation. It premiered in Seattle in 2002 before transferring to Broadway the same year, where it became a major hit, winning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. Set in 1960s Baltimore, the show follows big-hearted teenager Tracy Turnblad, who dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show and, in doing so, finds herself at the centre of a movement for racial inclusion. With its irresistible blend of humour, heart and soul, Hairspray has remained one of the most frequently staged musicals of the 21st century.
Musical Theatre’s production embraces everything that makes Hairspray such a joy: the bright energy, the irresistible optimism, and the message of empowerment and belonging. Deian Ping, Nicky Griffith and Julianne Burke have crafted a vibrant, high-energy production filled with warmth, humour, and polished musicality. The simple and effective set design, paired with clever visual effects and a well-executed digital backdrop, created a dynamic environment for the action while allowing the performances to shine. The orchestra was wonderful, delivering the familiar score with colour and richness, and the overall staging felt refreshed and strikingly relevant for contemporary audiences.
Eloise Newman was absolutely outstanding as Tracy Turnblad, capturing the character’s heart, humour and unstoppable optimism with ease. Newman delivered wonderful vocals throughout and anchored the show with confidence and charm. Her performance radiated joy and gave the entire production its emotional centre. Wonderful.
Jason Kiger was larger than life as Edna Turnblad, bringing a brilliantly unrestrained comedic flair to the role. His partnership with Steve Beck as Wilbur Turnblad was a genuine highlight, and their performance of “You’re Timeless To Me” was wonderfully warm, funny and fully committed. Beck brought delightful comic timing and a gentle sincerity to Wilbur, and the pair’s chemistry lit up the stage.
Nicholas Joy was a dynamic and thoroughly engaging Link Larkin, bringing both smooth vocals and believable heartthrob charm. His high energy portrayal was a highlight.
Liana Hanson delivered a sharp and highly engaging performance as Velma von Tussle, embodying the character’s over-the-top ambition and deliciously villainous edge. Jade Plaistow was equally impressive as ‘mini-me’ daughter Amber von Tussle, striking just the right tone as the spoiled, competitive teen queen with strong characterisation and great presence.
Lachlan Gleadhill was wonderful as Corny Collins, delivering charisma and musical polish in equal measure. His scenes brought authenticity and energy to the show’s television-studio world, and I was surprised to learn that this is Gleadhill’s official stage debut - well done indeed.
In her first musical theatre role, Rudo Banya gave a commanding, soulful performance as Motormouth Maybelle, including a show-stopping performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been”, and Wednesday Reign was simply outstanding as Penny, balancing the character’s profound awkwardness and quirky humour with wonderfully heartfelt warmth - a wonderful performance.
Joshua Davis brought a smooth physicality, vocals and style to Seaweed, and his performance of “Run and Tell That” was an audience favourite. AvaLyn Doherty was excellent as Little Inez, showcasing the perfect amount of confidence and spirit, and Hannah Davies was excellent as Prudy, giving a very entertaining and well-pitched comedic performance.
The full cast numbers were particularly well done, with fabulous choreography from Julianne Burke that showcased a high-energy ensemble who were fully committed from start to finish. The dancing was sharp, cohesive and joyful, and the big musical moments landed beautifully and were very well received by the loud and appreciative audience on opening night. This is a familiar and well-known show, yet QMT’s production manages to feel refreshed, contemporary and alive, thanks to the dedication of the creative team and the talent and enthusiasm of the cast.
The cast and creatives at Queensland Musical Theatre are to be congratulated on this vibrant, heartfelt and wonderfully entertaining production of Hairspray - I encourage you to see it if you can.
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