Enthusiastic Hairspray cast bring big-haired teen’s story to life in Crawley

The musical, in which two SGN employees have leading roles, will be running at The Hawth Theatre between October 28 and 31.

Set in 1962, the musical comedy Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a plump, big-haired teenager whose dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins TV Show come true after she learns some dance moves from her fellow students.

In COS’s production, the part of Tracy will be played by SGN environment support services administrator Anika Lefevre.

Anika, 25, joined the theatre company five years ago, after a friend who worked for them suggested she audition for a production of My Fair Lady.

“Playing Tracy has been enormous fun as her personality is very upbeat,” Anika said. “It can also be very tiring though as she’s on stage pretty much all the time. The role has been a challenge, but one that I have thoroughly enjoyed.”

SGN connections design assistant Kevin Wort, who also has a key role in the production, joined COS just last year after Anika encouraged him to audition for South Pacific. In Hairspray, he plays Corny Collins, the host of the teenage TV dance show.

“I have really enjoyed interpreting Corny’s wit and pizzazz during his scenes; he’s a fun character to play,” said Kevin. “Vocally it’s quite challenging though because when I’m not on stage performing my own songs, I’ll be with the off-stage choir providing backing vocals.”

SGN is donating £500 towards the cost of printing the programme.

Charlotte Cosh, membership secretary for COS Musical Theatre said: “All our cast and members are extremely appreciative of the support we have received from SGN for our production of Hairspray.”

She continued: “We have a great young cast for this production, who really bring Tracy’s story to life.

“I’m sure the show will have the audiences up and dancing in the aisles.”

Tickets for the show are available from the Hawth theatre box office on 01293 553636.

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