News: Les Dennis to star as Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray at the London Coliseum

Much-loved entertainer Les Dennis is set to star in the role of Wilbur Turnblad in the upcoming new production of musical Hairspray, taking over the role from Paul Merton who has taken leave due to long-standing commitments.

Dennis joins the previously announced all-star cast comprising Olivier Award-winner Michael Ball as Edna Turnblad, Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad, Marisha Wallace as Motormouth, Rita Simons as Velma Tussle and Jonny Amies as Link Larkin.

The musical is set to begin performances at the West End’s London Coliseum from Monday 21 June and play a limited season to Wednesday 29 September.

Comedian, impressionist and entertainer Les Dennis came to the forefront in the 1970s, after working on the northern Working Men’s Club circuit. He later became a stalwart of Saturday night television and starred in comedies including The Russ Abbot Show and The Les Dennis Laughter Show, as well as Family Fortunes.

He has since starred in many productions in the West End and on tour, also playing a regular role on Coronation Street for two years.

Full company for Hairspray includes Georgia Anderson, Kimani Arthur, Dermot Canavan, Lori Haley Fox, Mari McGinlay, Ashley Samuels, Michael Vinsen and Imogen Bailey, Pearce Barron, Jordan Benjamin, Joel Cooper, Luke George, Christopher Gopaul, Bradley Judge, Winny Herbert, Chris Howell, Lily Laight, Madeleine Lawton, Holly Liburd, Will Luckett, Mireia Mambo, Kody Mortimer, Robyn Rose, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Amy West and Natalie Woods.

Baltimore, 1962. Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and big dreams. Can she make it on the local TV dance show, win the heart of teen heartthrob Link Larkin and bring everyone together – whatever their colour, size or hairdo? Well if you want a change, you’ve really got to shake things up!

Hairspray is the big-hearted musical that is guaranteed to get you dancing in your seats, with songs such as “Good Morning, Baltimore”, “You Can’t Stop the Beat”, “Big, Blonde and Beautiful” and many more.

This production features the original award-winning creative team of director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell.

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