Hairspray to end its run on Shaftesbury Avenue

Hairspray, the smash-hit musical that has thrilled audiences for two and half years, will close at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Sunday 28th March.

The show, which won Best Musical in the 2008 Olivier Awards, a Best Actor in a Musical for Michael Ball and Best Actress in a Musical for Leanne Jones, will embark on a UK Tour to keep the spirit alive.

The show's producer Bill Taylor for Stage Entertainment UK, explained: “After two and a half wonderful years, many awards and hundreds of thousands of happy Hairspray audience members we have decided to bring the production to a close at the Shaftsbury Theatre on Sunday March 28 prior to a UK tour.

“Every show, even a big, glorious hit show like this one, has a natural life and for now it's time for Hairspray to leave London. We open a huge national tour in March, featuring some familiar faces, meaning fans of the show, old and new, everywhere will still get the chance to enjoy the Hairspray experience.”

Brian Conley (pictured) is currently playing Edna Turnblad. No decision has been made on what will replace the show at the theatre.