Cygnet Players Bring Broadway Musical Hairspray to Fulham

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Theatre group return to London Oratory School in Seagrave Road

In Hairspray, it's 1962 — the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion — to dance.

She wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, The Corny Collins Show and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray!

The production features an original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Direction by Damian Sandys, with Christopher Peake as Musical Director and Della Bhujoo as Choreographer.

" Hairspray is one of the best written musicals of the twenty first century," says Damian. " It has it all - wonderfully bold and colourful characters; a fantastic, witty book; music that is irresistibly infectious and, above all, a gigantic heart.

" It's a huge pleasure to be working with Cygnets for the first time. We had (literally) hundreds of auditionees and the standard of cast is so, so high.

"As a professional director, it's not about replicating the West End production, but, together with Della and Chris, finding our own original take on the material to create a production that is unique to this cast and company - and I am delighted with the path it's taking.

" Across these last few weeks, as we start piecing it all together, it's a tremendously exciting time and I cannot wait for audiences to come and share it with us."

Hairspray runs from Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday, February 20 at the London Oratory School Theatre in Fulham's Seagrave Road. Performances are nightly at 7.45pm with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Tickets, priced £16 (£14 concessions) can be bought from the Cygnet Players box office on 07941 448689 or via the website. For group bookings (10 or more tickets) we would be able to offer a discount – please email   info@cygnetplayers.com or call the box office for further information.

Over the years since being established, Cygnet Players has developed into an exciting musical theatre group based in South West London which performs shows or concerts twice yearly, as well as an annual play.

The group has an ever-growing membership, aged from 16 - 60, but says it is always looking for new talent. Rehearsals are twice weekly in Southfields (Tuesdays and Thursdays plus Sundays nearer show dates).

To find out how to get involved, email the players at info@cygnetplayers.com.

 

February 12, 2016