Producers of the 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour of Hairspray have announced initial casting and further tour dates for the smash hit musical.

Brenda Edwards, who previously played Motormouth Maybelle in three productions of Hairspray directed by Paul Kerryson, now joins this production to direct alongside Kerryson. The production is choreographed by Olivier Award winner and artistic director of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Drew McOnie, and will open in Manchester at the Palace Theatre on 16 July and tour through to April 2025.

Casting includes Neil Hurst as Edna Turnblad, Joanne Clifton as Velma Von Tussle (with Gina Murray performing the role from 16 July - 7 September only), Michelle Ndegwa (professional debut) as Motormouth Maybelle, Soloman Davy as Link Larkin, Declan Egan as Corny Collins, Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby (professional debut) as Tracy Turnblad, Katlo as Little Inez, Reece Richards as Seaweed, and Allana Taylor as Amber Von Tussle. The ensemble includes: Ben Anderson, Grace Anyiam, Nina Bell, Joseph Bristow, Vanessa Dumatey, Rebecca French, Stuart Hickey, Jaiden Lodge, Olly Manley, Sasha Monique, Jacob Smith and Issy Wilman. Further casting will be announced soon.

Completing the creative team are musical supervisor/arranger Ben Atkinson, set and costume designer Takis, lighting designer Philip Gladwell, sound designer Ben Harrison, video designer George Reeves, musical director/supervisor Richard Atkinson, projection designer George Reeve, and casting director Grindrod Burton.

To book tickets for select touring venues, please click here.