As a long-time admirer of Joanne Clifton‘s impressive dance career, I am absolutely thrilled to see her taking on a new challenge this autumn – stepping into the sinister shoes of Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray the musical. Since her triumphant days on Strictly Come Dancing, Joanne has been gracefully dancing and singing her way through various iconic roles, but this will be her first time playing a baddie!
Following her departure from Strictly in 2016, former professional Joanne Clifton has been traversing the UK, performing in various theatre productions, including the roles of Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Alex Owens in Flashdance, and more recently, Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical.
However, when fall arrives, the victorious Strictly Come Dancing dancer will shift her skills towards the ominous realm. She’ll be making her debut as a villain in the Hairspray musical for the very first time.
Starting from September, Clifton will assume the role previously played by Michelle Pfeiffer as the malevolent stage mom, Velma Von Tussle, in the 2007 movie production.
For Clifton, the role is her “first baddie,” and she couldn’t be more excited.
In regular performances, I usually play the role of the good fairy. However, for the first time, I’ve been cast as a villain in this pantomime, and I must say, I’m thoroughly enjoying the change!
As a devoted fan, I’ll admit that embodying the character of Velma was an arduous task for me, not because I share her views, but because it required immersing myself in her persona completely. To truly bring Velma to life on stage, one must first accept and appreciate her, which, surprisingly enough, proved quite difficult. In essence, you have to love the character of Velma, warts and all – a challenge I gladly took on.
To get inspiration for the part, Clifton turned to a familiar source.
She chuckled, saying, “I adore Dance Moms so much that she was inspired by it!” Later, she continued, “To be honest, she’s a bit like a pushy stage mom, and since I come from that same sphere, I could relate to certain aspects of her.”
For the initial leg of the tour, the role will be performed by Gina Murray, who is known for her work in Chicago and The Full Monty. From 9th September onwards, the part will be handled by Clifton.
When and where can I see Hairspray on tour?
The U.K. leg of the Hairspray tour commenced in July 2024 and continues traveling across the country, wrapping up in April 2025. Keep in mind that Joanne Clifton will join the cast only from the 9th of September onwards.
Here’s the full list of dates and venues:
- 6th – 10th Aug 2024 – Canterbury, The Marlowe
- 13th – 17th Aug 2024 – Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre
- 19th – 24th Aug 2024 – Liverpool, The Empire
- 26th – 31st Aug 2024 – Belfast, Grand Opera House
- 2nd – 7th Sep 2024 – Milton Keynes, Theatre
- 9th – 14th Sep 2024 – Southend, Cliffs Pavilion
- 16th – 21st Sep 2024 – Birmingham, Hippodrome
- 23rd – 28th Sep 2024 – Leicester, The Curve
- 30th Sep –5th Oct 2024 – Brighton, Theatre Royal
- 7th –12th Oct 2024 – Edinburgh, Playhouse
- 14th – 19th Oct 2024 – Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre
- 21st – 26th Oct 2024 – London, New Wimbledon Theatre
- 28th Oct – 2nd Nov 2024 – York, Grand Opera House
- 4th – 9th Nov 2024 – Nottingham, Theatre Royal
- 11th – 16th Nov 2024 – Newcastle, Theatre Royal
- 18th – 23rd Nov 2024 – Hull, New Theatre
- 25th – 30th Nov 2024 – Bradford, Alhambra Theatre
- 7th –11th Jan 2025 – Southampton, Mayflower Theatre
- 13th – 18th Jan 2025 – Truro, Hall for Cornwall
- 21st – 25th Jan 2025 – Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre
- 27th Jan – 1st Feb 2025 – Glasgow, King’s Theatre
- 3rd – 8th Feb 2025 – Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre
- 10th – 15th Feb 2025 – Norwich, Theatre Royal
- 17th – 22nd Feb 2025 – Aylesbury, Waterside Theatre
- 24th Feb – 1st Mar 2025 – Bristol, Hippodrome
- 3rd – 8th Mar 2025 – Malvern Theatres
- 10th – 15th Mar 2025 – Derry, Millennium Forum
- 24th – 29th Mar 2025 – Dartford, Orchard Theatre
- 31st Mar – 5th Apr 2025 – Woking, New Victoria Theatre
- 7th – 12th Apr 2025 – Llandudno, Venue Cymru
- 14th – 19th Apr 2025 – Sunderland, Empire
How to get Hairspray UK tour tickets
Tickets for the Hairspray tour can be purchased at ATG Tickets, with numerous dates still offering ample availability.
Tickets start at just £13, although this will also depend on the venue.
Read More
- JASMY PREDICTION. JASMY cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- Top gainers and losers
- LUNA PREDICTION. LUNA cryptocurrency
- WOOF PREDICTION. WOOF cryptocurrency
- GOAL PREDICTION. GOAL cryptocurrency
- CTC PREDICTION. CTC cryptocurrency
- BOO PREDICTION. BOO cryptocurrency
- DUEL PREDICTION. DUEL cryptocurrency
- LSK PREDICTION. LSK cryptocurrency
2024-08-08 18:04