Further casting announced for Hairspray

Updated on 24 January 2020

The headline 2020 production of Hairspray, which saw the exciting previous cast announcement of Tony and Olivier Award-winning Michael Ball returning to his legendary role of Edna Turnblad, has announced further casting for their newly extended season of 18 weeks at the London Coliseum. The iconic role of Tracy Turnblad and Motormouth has been filled and we couldn’t be more excited to see Lizzie Bea and acclaimed West End star Marisha Wallace announced for the roles respectively. The multi-award-winning smash hit musical will begin its extended season on 23 April 2020.

New Hairspray casting

Lizzie Bea has been announced to star in the 2020 London Coliseum production of Hairspray in the lead role of Tracy Turnblad. Lizzie is currently touring the UK in Kinky Boots after having recently returned from Atlanta where she performed in the world premiere of Becoming Nancy (Alliance Theatre).

Marisha Wallace has been announced to play the role of Motormouth. Marisha recently starred in Waitress at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre in the role of Becky. She is acclaimed in the West End and received rave reviews for her starring role in Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre when she took over from Amber Riley.

What is Hairspray?

Hairspray won three Tony Awards, including Best New Musical, for its original New York production, and won four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, for its Original West End production. The West End production also saw Michael Ball winning one of his two Olivier Awards as Best Actor in a Musical.

The story takes us to Baltimore in 1962 at a time of segregation and big hair. Tracy Turnblad has the big hair and big dreams that everyone in the 60s had; she is also a big girl. Tracy’s dreams all revolve around the local TV show, on which she wants to be a part of and win over teen heartthrob Link Larkin whilst she’s at it. Also, on Tracy’s list of dreams is to bring everyone together and have everyone dance together, no matter their skin colour, size or hairdo. Sometimes to make a change, you’ve got to really shake things up.

Hairspray features the popularly loved songs ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’, ‘Good Morning, Baltimore’, and ‘Big, Blonde and Beautiful’. The original award-winning creative team featured director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. This inspirational musical is internationally acclaimed and loved and it is back and bigger than ever.


Tickets for Hairspray are available now for its newly extended season at the London Coliseum starting 23 April 2020.

🎫 Book your Hairspray tickets here.

By Jade Ali

A love for theatre stemmed from my love of literature and music, but the West End on my doorstep opened up a whole new appreciation and passion for all things stage-y