London Hairspray cast announced including Paul Merton West End debut!
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Following the previous announcements that [**Michael Ball**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/hairspray-returns-to-london-with-michael-ball-to-star), **Lizzie Bea** and **Marisha Wallace** would be starring in the West End revival of [***Hairspray***](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/492/hairspray-tickets.aspx), we were more than content with that exciting casting news. However, it’s now a new year and the production will be opening before we know it, so of course, the anticipation for further casting increased. Today comes the awaited news and it sees comedian **Paul Merton** added to the cast list for what will be his West End debut. Read below to see the cast that will open *Hairspray* at the [**London Coliseum**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/122/london-coliseum.aspx) in April.
### Further West End *Hairspray* cast announced
Joining the [**previously announced**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/further-casting-announced-for-hairspray) Michael Ball as Edna, **Lizzie Bea** as Tracy Turnblad and **Marisha Wallace** as Motormouth Maybelle is *Have I Got News For You* panellist **Paul Merton** who will star opposite Ball as Wilbur Turnblad. The cast will see **Rita Simons** ([***Everybody’s Talking About Jamie***](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/2756/everybodys-talking-about-jamie-tickets.aspx)) as Velma Von Tussle and **Jonny Amies** (*Sex Education*) as Link Larkin. Also joining *Hairspray* London is **Georgia Anderson** as Amber Von Tussle, **Kimani Arthur** as Little Inez, **Dermot Canavan** as Wilbur and **Imogen Bailey** as Shelly.
Completing the cast is **Lori Haley Fox**, **Mari McGinlay**, **Ashley Samuels**, **Michael Vinsen**, **Pearce Barron**, **Jordan Benjamin**, **Nicholas Collier**, **Joel Cooper**, **Luke George**, **Christopher Gopaul**, **Winny Herbert**, **Chris Howell**, **Lily Laight**, **Hannah Grace Lawson**, **Madeleine Lawton**, **Holly Liburd**, **Will Luckett**, **Mireia Mambo**, **Kody Mortimer**, **Robyn Rose**, **Tinovimbanashe Sibanda**, **Kibong Tanji**, **Amy West** and **Natalie Woods**.
### *Hairspray* creative team
*Hairspray* London will be directed by **Jack O’Brien**, with a book from **Mark O’Donnell** and **Thomas Meehan**. The music is by **Marc Shaiman** and the lyrics are by Shaiman and **Scott Wittman**. There is also choreography by **Jerry Mitchell**, costumes by **William Ivey Long**, set design by **David Rockwell** and casting by **Jill Green**.
### What is *Hairspray* about?
Based on the 1988 film of the same name, the story is set in Baltimore in the year 1962. ‘Welcome to the 60’s’ welcomes us to a time of big hair and segregation. Follow Tracy Turnblad who is a big girl with big hair and even bigger dreams! All she wants is to be a part of her favourite local TV show, where she can sing, dance and hopefully win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin too. Tracy’s dreams soon evolve after a trip to detention when she realises what she wants most is to make a change. She dreams of bringing everyone together, no matter their race, size or hairdo, and she’s willing to shake things up to achieve this!
## West End *Hairspray* musical tickets on sale now!
A [***Hairspray***](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/492/hairspray-tickets.aspx) revival in London and a cast this good? Get your dancing shoes on and be sure to book your *Hairspray* tickets whilst availability lasts. The musical begins performances at the [**London Coliseum**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/122/london-coliseum.aspx) from 23 April for 18-weeks only. Hurry! Tickets for *Hairspray* are selling fast!
🎫 [**Book your London *Hairspray* tickets here**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/492/hairspray-tickets.aspx).