My first trip to the Shaftesbury Theatre, to see the multi-award winning production of ‘Hairspray’ had me full of expectation. This was not just because of the West End prices, but also due to the plaudits that had been heaped on the show’s cast and producers from across the board.

It is safe to say that I am not the world’s biggest fan of musicals. I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to endure the singing, dancing, and ear-to-ear grinning for over two hours – an improbable length of time for a musical – I thought.

We took our seats, in the aptly named ‘Royal Circle’, and I was instantly caught up in the majesty of the grand old theatre. Sitting in a theatre like the Shaftesbury reminded me of the way a theatre should look. It added to the anticipation for the show, and the atmosphere amongst the audience. Speaking of which, watching a musical with close to 1,500 other people turns the production into a completely different proposition.

Hairspray tells the story of Tracy, a big girl with a big heart in sixties Baltimore. She dreams of performing as a dancer on the coolest show in town, but the picture doesn’t fit the frame. Her desire to make it to the top takes her on a journey where she meets people that will open her mind, in a closed society. The play is a light-hearted exploration of civil rights issues and racial integration.

Without a doubt, it is the soundtrack and choreography that binds the production, but this could not be made possible without some superb performances from the entire cast. Each character stamps their authority on the script and songs. Leanne Jones is a wonderful lead. Michael Ball is hilarious as Tracy’s mother, Edna. The highlight of the show for me was Edna’s duet with Tracy’s father Wilbur, played by Nigel Planer. Although it may not have entirely gone to plan, the enjoyment that both took in performing the number had the audience completely hooked. Amongst the various stunning vocal performances, a special mention should go to Raquel Jones, who blew me away with a voice far more powerful than her age would suggest.

By the encore I had declared myself a true fan. Hairspray is an outstanding experience, and one that I would recommend to anyone. I’m even tempted to purchase the soundtrack, something I never thought possible of a musical before going to see it.