OPENING its new National Tour in Cardiff, Hairspray follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV.

Rebecca Mendoza shines in her professional debut as Tracy and carries the show really well. Edward Chitticks plays Link Larkin with the right amount of cool and captures you’re attention every time he is on stage.

Layton Williams dances his way into people’s hearts with his portrayal of Seaweed.

Gina Murray played baddie Velma Von Tussle with the right amount of sass and had a great relationship with Aimee Moore as Amber.

By the time the interval arrive, my daughter and I had great smiles over our faces due to the happy and upbeat nature of the show.

A highlight of the second half was Edna (Matt Rixon) and Wilbur’s (Norman Pace) duet You’re Timeless to Me, Pace having the audience laughing with just his body language every time he was on stage.

By the end of the finale, the whole auditorium were on their feet dancing and the amount of smiles in the foyer as people were leaving displayed how much everyone enjoyed this feel good show.

Hairspray opened in Cardiff on August 16, 2017, with a tour around the UK until June 2018.

Rachel Howells