Major UK & Ireland tour of HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL announced for 2027
Producers Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale and Laurence Myers have announced the return of Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson’s production of Hairspray, which will embark on its second major national UK and Ireland tour in 2027.
The tour will open in Manchester, playing at the Palace Theatre from 2 July - 19 July 2027 before travelling to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin, Belfast, Southend, Wimbledon, Liverpool, Bradford, Sunderland, Milton Keynes, Malvern, Birmingham, York, Leicester, Brighton, Woking, and Bristol.
Choreographed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie, further venues and dates will be announced soon.
Neil Hurst will return to play the iconic role of Edna Turnblad. A much-loved British actor, comedian and writer, Neil began his career touring the country in comedy and variety shows, supporting comedy legends such as Bruce Forsyth, Ken Dodd and Cannon and Ball. His recent theatre credits include The Full Monty (national tour) as well as being an award-winning pantomime favourite headlining the annual panto at Nottingham Theatre Royal.
Brenda Edwards who has previously played Motormouth in three tours of Hairspray, said: “I am so thrilled that this wonderful musical is returning to cities across the UK as it holds a very special place in my heart! I had so much fun making my directorial debut as a co-director with Paul Kerryson first time round. The show’s story and themes continue to remain as relevant as ever and I cannot wait to share this vibrant new production of this timeless musical with even more people.”
Completing the creative team is set and costume designer Takis, lighting designer Philip Gladwell, sound designer Ben Harrison, musical supervisor and arranger Ben Atkinson, musical director Richard Atkinson, projection designer George Reeve, and casting director Grindrod Burton.