Hairspray The Musical

Hairspray The Musical is coming to the Edinburgh Playhouse from 27 July to 1 August 2027, as part of its UK tour. It's a musical comedy based on the 1988 John Waters film that starred Divine and Ricki Lake, with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman, and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The story follows Tracy Turnblad, who uses her newfound fame to fight for liberation and equality in Baltimore.

It's a well-travelled show. The stage version opened on Broadway in 2002 and won eight Tony Awards, then opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Olivier Awards. A film version followed in 2007, starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, and James Marsden. The production is currently on a UK tour, with Scottish dates starting at King's Theatre in Glasgow the week of 19 July 2027 before it moves on to the Playhouse.

There are some familiar names in this cast. British actor, comedian, and writer Neil Hurst returns to play Edna Turnblad, and Brenda Edwards, who has played Motormouth in three previous UK tours of Hairspray, returns as well. Paul Kerryson is also back. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.

It runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 27 July to 1 August 2027, following its Glasgow dates at King's Theatre the week of 19 July.