Producers Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale and Laurence Myers have announced the return of Hairspray The Musical, which will embark on its second major national UK tour in 2027.

This iconic musical comedy features some of musical theatre’s best hit songs including Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat and Good Morning Baltimore by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Neil Hurst will return to play the iconic role of Edna Turnblad.  A much-loved British actor, comedian and writer, Neil began his career touring the country in comedy and variety shows, supporting comedy legends such as Bruce Forsyth, Ken Dodd and Cannon and Ball. His recent theatre credits include The Full Monty (national tour) as well as being an award-winning pantomime favourite headlining the annual panto at Nottingham Theatre Royal. His television credits include two series in a recurring live improvisation role on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, working alongside Michael to set up his Unexpected Star of the Show.

After breaking box office records and delighting audiences in the West End, on Broadway and on the big screen since 1988, the timeless story of Hairspray centres around heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has big hair, a big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ’do?

Hairspray The Musical plays Malvern Theatres on 11-16 October and Birmingham Hippodrome from 25-30 October. Tickets 'on sale soon' via hairspraymusicaltour.com