Selected from the more than 3,000 performers who applied at open auditions last November, Michelle Ndegwa will make her professional debut as Motormouth Maybelle when the new UK tour of hit musical Hairspray opens at Manchester's Palace Theatre in the summer (July 16-27).
Other northern dates are: Liverpool Empire (August 19-24); York Grand Opera House (October 28-November 2); Theatre Royal, Newcastle (November 11-16); Hull New Theatre (November 18-23) and Bradford Alhambra (November 25-30).
A soul and gospel singer best known for her performances as a vocalist forGorillaz, Michelle has recorded with Billy Porter, Gregory Porter, Shapeshifters, Yard Act, Becky Hill, Rita Ora and Deseri.
Brenda Edwards (Loose Women, We Will Rock You, London Coliseum) who played Motormouth Maybelle in three previous productions of Hairspray, now co-directs alongside former Manchester Library Theatre and Oldham Coliseum artistic director Paul Kerryson. The production is choreographed by Olivier award-winner and artistic director of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Drew McOnie.
Based on the 1988 film, Hairspray centres around heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has big hair, a big heart and big dreams to dance her way on to national TV and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. When she becomes a local star she is able to use her new-found fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ’do?
More info and tickets here
