Theatre review: Hairspray

This Cork Opera House production of the popular musical, adapted from John Waters’ 1988 film, hits the right notes for the most part, combining levity with the serious issue of racism. Set in racially segregated Baltimore in the US in 1962, the story centres round a self-described big girl, Tracy, who dreams of stardom and against her mother’s wishes, auditions for a role as a dancer on the local TV station.

To her parents’ astonishment, they see her on television where she is an overnight sensation. They forgive her. Tracy also has her sights set on winning the Miss Teenage Hairspray 1962 contest.