Michael Ball to play Edna Turnblad as Hairspray returns to London in 2020

Michael Ball will reprise his role as Edna Turnblad as Hairspray is set to return to London for a summer run at the London Coliseum next year.

Ball appeared in the musical when it last ran in London, opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre from October 2007. He has since appeared in Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street, for which he won an Olivier award, and is set to appear in the all-star concert production of Les Miserables, opening at the Gielgud this summer.

With music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the musical is set in Baltimore and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad who auditions for a part on her favourite TV show. It features the songs "Good Morning Baltimore", "I Can Hear Bells", "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" and "You Can't Stop the Beat".  

Directed by Jack O'Brien and with choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), Hairspray will run at the London Coliseum from 23rd April to 19^th July with tickets now on sale.

With a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, the musical is based on the 1988 film of the same name written and directed by John Waters. It received its Broadway premiere in 2002 and won eight Tony Awards the following year, and added four Olivier awards to its collection after the West End transfer.

Further casting for the return of Hairspray is yet to be announced.

Hairspray is at the London Coliseum from 23rd April.

Hairspray tickets are now on sale.