Les Dennis to play Wilbur Turnblad in ‘Hairspray’ revival at London Coliseum

Dennis takes over the role from Paul Merton.

Ahead of Hairspray opening in London next month, new principal casting has been announced. Les Dennis will now play Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray, with performances at the London Coliseum from 21 June - 29 September.

Dennis takes over the role from Paul Merton, who was previously scheduled to play Wilbur, but has had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts.

Dennis returns to the stage, previously in a national tour of The Addams Family and two restoration plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company. In the West End, he's been in Chicago and Me and My Girl.

He'll star alongside Michael Ball who reprises his Olivier Award-winning performance as Edna Turnblad. Lizzie Bea plays Tracy Turnblad, with Marisha Wallace as Motormouth Maybelle, Rita Simons as Velma Von Tussle and Jonny Amies as Link Larkin.

The full company includes Georgia Anderson, Kimani Arthur, Dermot Canavan, Lori Haley Fox, Mari McGinlay, Ashley Samuels, Michael Vinsen, Imogen Bailey, Pearce Barron, Jordan Benjamin, Joel Cooper, Luke George, Christopher Gopaul, Bradley Judge, Winny Herbert, Lily Laight, Madeleine Lawton, Holly Liburd, Will Luckett, Mireia Mambo, Kody Mortimer, Robyn Rose, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Amy West and Natalie Woods.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad as she shares her progressive political views while dancing on The Corny Collins Show. Songs in Hairspray include "Good Morning Baltimore", "I Know Where I've Been" and "You Can't Stop the Beat". 

Hairspray is at the London Coliseum from 21 June - 29 September.

Hairspray tickets are on sale now.

^{Photo credit: Les Dennis (Photo courtesy of Les Dennis)}