HOW, Besties, is this our first experience of Kilworth House Theatre?! What a hidden gem in our UK theatrical landscape - it certainly won’t be our last visit! Nestled in the grounds of a beautiful country house hotel in the Leicestershire countryside, Kilworth House Theatre has built up a reputation for its big open-air summer musicals and this year, it’s the turn of Hairspray.

Having seen numerous productions of Hairspray over the years, this newly visualised production is a breath of fresh air. It’s the show we all know and love but has been looked at through a slightly different lens. This said, the underlying themes of the piece relating to equal opportunities, human rights and body positivity still take the highest importance and prime focus amongst all of the fluff that surrounds them.

Upon entering the arena space, we are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colour in Paul Farnsworth’s set. This boldness is echoed in the costume design, with often garish prints and occasionally neon brightness set against a sea of pastel. Being an outdoor venue, the lighting is something that doesn’t fully come into its own until darkness descends but Jason Taylor certainly has fun during the finale number, ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’, which gets everyone up on their feet.

The feed from the eight-piece band backstage, led by Michael Bradley, is brilliantly executed throughout, with Chris Whybrow’s sound design well managed in the unique setting. Contending with the threat of severe weather, the heavens decided to open towards the end of Act One last night, with the rain hammering down on the canopy above the audience and playing space, making it difficult to hear the dialogue for a brief period. However, the live mix was quickly adjusted to account for this and the cast continued on with the utmost professionalism. Huge praise must be given to the show crew who were having to ensure the off-stage wings were continuously cleared of water to ensure the safety of the performers - that’s open-air theatre for you, Besties!

Director and choreographer Lee Proud has definitely created a show to be proud of here (no pun intended) but occasionally we felt that a little more flair and imagination in creative decisions could have benefited the production even further. This said, the talented cast do an undeniably great job with the material given, elevating it to the next level.

This is very much an ensemble piece and has been so well cast by Anne Vosser. Charlotte-Hannah Jones as Tracy is instantly likeable and you root from her consistently throughout the show’s duration. She demonstrates flawless vocals and has a lovely chemistry with other company members. Michael J Batchelor and Steven Serlin make for a dynamic duo as Edna and Wilbur Turnblad respectively, with their ‘Timeless to Me’ the highlight that it should be. It would be easy to assume that due to Batchelor’s vast experience as a pantomime dame, his interpretation of the role would be pantomimic but it is not this at all - very well balanced.

Alex Lodge is the perfect crooner as Link Larkin and what is very interesting to watch is former Link, Liam Doyle, as Corny Collins this time around. His talents have meant that he is utilised more than the role has been in the past, which is refreshing to witness. Jenny Gayner is a deliciously unbearable Velma Von Tussle, matched well with Holly Willock’s Amber; and Biancha Szynal’s Penny is hilarious and so entertaining to watch alongside Nay-Nay’s Seaweed. Special mention must also be given to Jessica Niles, M-Jae Cleopatra Isaac and Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli who, as the Dynamites, give the best vocal for ‘Welcome To The 60’s’ reprise we’ve heard.

Joyful, refreshing and an absolute pleasure to watch.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

Hairspray plays at Kilworth House Theatre until 6 August, with further information here.