Hairspray in the rain
On one of the wettest summer evenings there could possibly be, we got into the car and headed to the outdoor theatre. If I hadn’t booked the tickets six months ago, there’s no way I would have left the house on Friday night. But I had, and boy am I glad that I did! We were going to see this summer’s big production of Hairspray...
We are lucky enough to live just a few short miles from Kilworth House Theatre and to me, it’s a truly magical place. Even with the tumbling grey clouds and heavy rain, the setting is lush. We drove slowly up the long drive and parked the car in the beautiful grounds where, before we knew what the weather had in store, we had planned to picnic. Sadly we couldn't this time, but it didn’t dampen our spirits (excuse the pun).
We walked down the tree-lined walkway with the fairy lights twinkling. The drizzle actually added a certain something to the atmosphere. It felt like entering a magical wonderland. The stage is hidden until you’ve completed this walk and then it’s beauty is revealed. But not before you come across the lovely ski chalet that is the Staging Post bar nestled into the greenery. We peaked inside and agreed to go back post show.
We find our seats and take in the explosion of colour that is the set. We can tell before a note has been struck or a word has been spoken that this is going to be a big, fun-filled, thoroughly enjoyable evening.
As the first notes of Good morning Baltimore kick-in, the audience start to smile. The sound is crystal clear, the lighting creates the perfect vibe. The flasher who lives next door runs across the stage. We all giggle. This is going to be a funny show!
We learn that the heroine, Tracy Turnblad, wants to dance on the Corny Collins show and when she gets the chance to audition, she bumps into her teen crush. Her rendition of ‘I can hear the bells’ is a particular family favourite and I can see my daughter lip-synching in awe. And then, Biancha Szyna, who was playing Tracy’s best friend, Penny Pingleton, delivered a masterclass in physical comedy and was an absolute joy to watch.
We were treated to an epic scene in the second half between Tracey’s mum and dad, Edna Turnblad and her husband. It was done so well that it felt like we were allowed to be part of a very special moment between just the two of them. By the end of the show, saving the best 'til last, the crowd were all on their feet, clapping and singing along to ‘You can’t stop the beat’.
It was the first time at Kilworth House Theatre for some of the family and as we supped our interval drinks, they marveled at both the place and the performance standard. It truly is West End quality in the heart of the country. The singing, the dancing, the set, the music, everyone and everything about it made it, without doubt, a five-star review from me.
As the show came to a close, we were all smiling. We had smiled from start to finish. We strolled to the Staging Post for our post-show drinks and agreed that it had been a perfect way to start not only the weekend, but the summer holidays too. As we got in the car to go home, all that was left to do was decide when we’d be coming back.
For the full theatre experience, check out the reel on @theweekendwandereruk
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