BIG hair, big heart, big voice Freya Sutton wowed as Tracy Turnblad as she thrilled the audience with her impressive vocals and enthralling presence in this current tour of the smash hit musical.

Set in Baltimore in 1962 in the days of black and white segregation larger than life Tracy wants the opportunity to dance on The Corny Collins Show. Back in the day this was the show to be on the surprise is she also wants her black friends to be able to dance with her and not just on Negro Day what ensues is a journey of sheer joy that ultimately unites all walks of life together.

Tracy's Mum Edna is played by ITV's Tony Maudsley the hilarious hairdresser in Benidorm who was brilliantly camp. One of the loudest cheers of the night was for the amusing and sensitive duet of You're Timeless To Me performed by Edna and Wilbur.

The role of manipulative Velma Von Tussle is perfect for the evergreen Claire Sweeney who adapts easily into the character, whilst Peter Duncan is  full of energy and pizazz as Wilbur.

Brenda Edwards (former X Factor contestant) as the wonderful Motormouth Maybelle is a revelation, what a voice she has almost being in a league of her own, her rendition of 'I Know Where I've Been' was so emotional and she reached the stars with Big, Blonde and Beautiful.

Hairspray is one of the real feel good musicals which has triumphantly been transported from film to stage which is not always the case, there is no doubt that you will be singing 'You Can't Stop The Beat' as you leave the theatre.

Colourful costumes, crazy hair, slick choreography, great songs, a brilliant cast and a marvellous story combined had the appreciative audience at the Hippodrome on their feet clapping, singing and dancing for the finale of a wonderful evening's entertainment.

Runs until Saturday, 12th March.

Evenings at 7.30 pm
Matinees on Wed & Sat at 2.30 pm
Tickets from £17.90
Concessions available at certain performances
www.hairsprayuktour.com