Former Monkee Dolenz in Hairspray 2 Feb - Conley Returns

Former Monkee Micky Dolenz is to join the cast of Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 2 Feb 2010, playing the role of 'Wilbur Turnblad'. At the same time Brian Conley will return to play 'Edna Turnblad'.

Micky Dolenz is best known as a member of the band The Monkees, with international hits including I'm A Believer, Last Train To Clarksville and Daydream Believer. Since the band, he has guested in many television shows, provided voiceover for countless animated series and written, produced and directed for television. He has also appeared in AIDA on Broadway and on stage in the USA in Pippin', Grease and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. In the early 1980s, Dolenz directed a stage version of Alan Parker's Bugsy Malone in the West End.

The current cast includes: Phill Jupitus (Edna Turnblad), Chloe Hart (Tracy Turnblad), Belinda Carlisle (Velma Von Tussle), Sharon D Clarke (Motormouth Maybelle), Tony Timberlake (Wilbur Turnblad), Nicola Brazil (Amber Von Tussle) and Gavin Alex (Corny Collins), Verity Rushworth (Penny), Liam Tamne (Link Larkin)

Hairspray, opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre to terrific notices from the popular press on 30 Oct 2007, following previews from 11 Oct: THE INDEPENDENT says, "Was the show worth it? Yes, yes and again yes." THE GUARDIAN says, "Where the show really scores is in its ability to integrate serious issues into a lightweight plot." THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "You will laugh, you will scream, you might even shed a sentimental tear or two. " THE TIMES says, "Delightful."

Hairspray has book by Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman, and is based upon the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters.

It is directed by Jack O'Brien, choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, and produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment / SEL & GFO New Line Cinema / In Association With Live Nation

Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion -- to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, 'The Corny Collins Show' and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show?