You can’t stop the beat! Trinity Theatre Company’s production of ‘Hairspray was a powerful, energetic and joyful evening of theatre. The cast were all clearly having a wonderful time on stage together, and worked with exemplary professionalism, commitment and focus throughout.

Olivia James’ performance as Tracy was a dynamic tour de force, and she was ably assisted by Sophie Richardson as the ditzy Penny, Nathan Yielder as the smooth love interest Link, Bert Wilson as the cool Seaweed and Millie Butcher as the selfish Amber. Such a strong group of principals. Neo Borgia was a wonderful Corny Collins, the media man; Ellie Wilson was engagingly over the top as Tracy’s Mum; and Deborah Beckett was a suitably narrow-minded Velma. Emily Davies and Anya Bartlett, who shared the role of Motormouth Maybelle, and Eleanor Teasdale as Little Inez, also impressed the audience with their incredible voices.

However, while it is important to give credit to the main characters, this production was an ensemble piece. There was a great sense of company, and the dancing, choreographed by Sixth Formers Lily Harper and Erin Harkins, was outstanding. Thanks as ever to the Music and Drama departments for their first class work with students. The standing ovation on the final night was well-deserved. A real feel-good production!