Hairspray cast changes from 27 July 2009

Hairspray cast changes from 27 July 2009

Cast changes in Hairspray from 27 July 2009, includes Brian Conley as 'Edna Turnblad', Chloe Hart taking over as 'Tracy Turnblad', and Liam Tamne as 'Link Larkin'. (replacing Michael Ball, Leanne Jones, Ben James Ellis)

Nigel Planer and Verity Rushworth , are also confirmed to stay with the production through till October 2009 as 'Wilbur Turnblad' and 'Penny Pingleton'.

Commenting on joining the cast of "HAIRSPRAY", Brian Conley said: "I've done a lot in my career, but wearing a dress and heels every night and being married to Nigel Planer weren't things I was expecting to be doing all at the same time, and in front of thousands of people! I'm absolutely delighted to be back in the West End and joining one of the most uplifting, happy and, not to mention, successful shows in town. Being part of something that brings a smile to people's faces, especially in these troubled times, is a real treat and I can't wait to get on stage at the Shaftesbury."

This is Newcomer Chloe Hart's first job straight out of Guildford School of Acting, and Liam Tamne joins the cast directly from "Wicked".

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?