Hairspray cast changes from 26 Oct incl. Phill Jupitus to play Edna Turnblad - Sunday perfs start in Nov

Hairspray cast changes from 26 Oct incl. Phill Jupitus to play Edna Turnblad - Sunday perfs start in Nov

There are major cast changes in Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 26 Oct 2009.

Phill Jupitus will play Edna Turnblad (replacing Brian Conley), Belinda Carlisle (Velma Von Tussle), Sharon D Clarke (Motormouth Maybelle), Tony Timberlake (Wilbur Turnblad), Nicola Brazil (Amber Von Tussle) and Gavin Alex (Corny Collins).

Remaining with the show are: Chloe Hart (Tracy Turnblad), Verity Rushworth (Penny), Liam Tamne (Link Larkin), Adrian Hansel (Seaweed) and Raquel Jones (Little Inez).

It is also announced that the show will begin Sunday performances from 8 Nov 2009 (Replacing Monday's performances).

Phill Jupitus is a comedian, broadcaster, writer and actor who has appeared on British television & radio and the stage for over 20 years. He has appeared on many television and radio panel shows including "QI" and "News Quiz", as well as being a regular team captain on the BBC 2 show "Never Mind The Buzzcocks", and has toured extensively with his one man shows.

Belinda Carlisle is a Grammy Award nominated singer and actress. As lead singer of the band The GoGo's she was part of the first ever girl group who wrote and played their own music to top the Billboard Charts in the US. Following extensive touring with The GoGo's, her solo career was hugely successful with global hits including Circle In The Sand, Leave A Light On For Me, I Get Weak, We Want The Same Thing, Live Your Life Be Free and the international number one Heaven Is A Place On Earth.

Sharon D Clarke is a prolific West End, television and radio star and recording artist. Her stage credits include "Chicago", "We Will Rock You", "The Lion King", "Rent" and "Guys & Dolls" as well as many productions at the Hackney Empire.

Hairspray, opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre to terrific notices from the popular press on 30 Oct 2007, following previews from 11 Oct: THE INDEPENDENT says, "Was the show worth it? Yes, yes and again yes." THE GUARDIAN says, "Where the show really scores is in its ability to integrate serious issues into a lightweight plot." THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "You will laugh, you will scream, you might even shed a sentimental tear or two. " THE TIMES says, "Delightful."

Hairspray has book by Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman, and is based upon the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters.

It is directed by Jack O'Brien, choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, and produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment / SEL & GFO New Line Cinema / In Association With Live Nation

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 trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show?