Hairspray returns to Liverpool Empire

Is Hairspray the new Chicago? After a spectacular run at the Empire in 2012, the show returns to Liverpool next year, with tickets going on sale tomorrow (Monday, July 30). Stage and screen star Mark Benton will lead the company of the award-winning musical comedy when it embarks on a new UK and Ireland tour next year.  The multi-million pound production will play at the Empire from April 22 to 27. Mark will play the larger than life Turnblad family matriarch Edna in the show, with further casting to be announced soon. Mark said: “I can't wait to start Hairspray, it's going to be amazing fun and an interesting challenge for me as it's my first adventure into the world of musicals...that I get to go on that adventure playing a Baltimore housewife is an added bonus!  As a musical I think it has everything, great songs, great script, really interesting story and lots and lots of laughs...I hope!” Rebecca Quigley, MD of Stage Entertainment, Hairspray’s producer said: “Just the mention of Hairspray guarantees a huge smile from anyone you talk to and we felt it was high time that people across the country get to see Tracy, Edna, Wilbur and the gang again.  Hairspray is one of the most warm-hearted, positive and joyous musicals I’ve had the pleasure of working on and the smiles have got even bigger now we know our cast will be lead by the incalculably talented Mark Benton.”  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 – dancing.  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 trendsetting hair-hopper like Tracy get her massively shy Mom out of the apartment, beat evil Amber to be crowned Miss Hairspray, integrate Corny’s show for good AND win the heart of local heartthrob Link Larkin, all without denting her super high ‘do’?  If anyone can, Tracy can! The musical Hairspray opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London on October 2007, recouping its entire capitalisation in record-breaking time.  The show received universal critical acclaim and smash hit business and eventually played more than 1000 performances to well over 1 million people.   Keep an eye on official website www.hairspraythetour.com . Tickets are available from Liverpool Empire Box Office, by calling 0844 871 3017 or online at www.atgtickets.com/liverpool.