REVIEW: Lively performers keep energy levels high in Hairspray at The Hawth

Hairspray by COS Musical Theatre, The Hawth, Crawley
COS Musical Theatre presents HairsprayCOS Musical Theatre presents Hairspray
COS Musical Theatre presents Hairspray

Feel-good musical Hairspray is playing at The Hawth this week and what a way to beat the blues of the dark nights.

In recent years I’ve seen several productions by COS and it is always a great evening at the theatre.

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Hairspray was the best. It had a really vibrant cast who were full of energy from curtain up to the final applause of the enthusiastic audience.

From the opening ‘Good Morning Baltimore’, performed by Tracy Turnblad and played by Annika Lefevre, my feet were tapping. Anika was brilliant throughout as the would-be dancer on the Corny Collins show and social activist.

Familiar COS faces Mike Mackenzie and Beccy Coward gave true conviction in their performances as Edna Turnblad and Velma Von Tussle respectively.

The production team, including director Heather Kemeys, kept the action moving and the production was very slick, while the dance numbers, particularly the impressive finale, were brilliantly choreographed by Lindsay Swift.

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Andrew Payne’s musical direction drew out the best from all principals and there were no weak links.

Worthy of note were the younger members of the cast, many of whom were making their first appearance for COS and, we can only hope, not their last.

Alisha Finch-Parsons brought an adorable quirkiness to the role of Penny, Nathan Johnston was suitably smooth as Link and Joshua Roberts, as Seaweed, oozed cool.

COS are a busy local group and are already looking forward to their next production, which is also at the Hawth.

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The Snow Queen (January 9,10, 16 and 17, 2016) has been written by COS member Louise Anne Bateman.

Who needs TV talent shows to showcase brilliant local talent when you could just pop to the Hawth in January?

The pantomime is being directed by non-other than Tracy Turnblad, aka Anika Lefevre. Her energy on stage was infectious and I am sure her cast will have an amazing time rehearsing.

The production will undoubtedly be another hit for COS.

Click here to find out more about COS Musical Theatre,

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