Well aren’t we moving fast? Can hardly believe we are well into our third week, it’s all moving too briskly if you ask me! So what can you expect from a Hairspray rehearsal room in its third week?? Well, to start with a cast of 40, an American production team and Michael Ball in high heels! (Not something you see every day!) But one thing you can expect is a finished first half, that’s right week 3 and the first half is complete! Now when I say complete I don’t mean polished and ready for the stage, but a rough shell is amazingly ready! This is great because it means we are able to get it onto it’s feet and link the scenes, songs and dances together.
I just need to take a moment to worship the legends that are Danny Austin and Benjamin Klein. Danny is our assistant choreographer and Benjamin is our assistant director. They really have got a job on teaching the whole show to us, but they’re so patient and fun to work with. It’s great working with people so passionate about what they do, it really rubs off on the cast. Every single bit has to be perfect, and if it’s not, you better believe we’re stopping, going back a page and doing the whole thing again! Thanks guys!
I really do hope you are all as excited about seeing the show as we are putting it on stage. I know it’s nowhere near ready but we’re all dying to put this in front of an audience and get their reaction. I may sound a little bit biased when I say this but I know this is going to take the west end by storm, so you better all be hanging on tight because the tidal wave that is Hairspray is getting ever closer to hitting the Shaftsbury stage!!!
I say again Bring it on!! Seriously, I for one can hardly wait to see this. Glad everything is going so well. Don't fall off those heels Michael :0)
Keep up the good work Ben really enjoying reading the blogs.
Posted by: WheresmyMarius | 09/19/2007 at 05:43 AM
Ben Iv supported you from day one of "any dream will do" and was gutted when you got voted out.... now Im totally glad (sorry!) cause this part was made for you! I just know your gonna be hot! Roll on 8th September xxx
Posted by: Jess | 09/19/2007 at 09:44 PM
We are so ready we are just waiting for you!15th October can't come soon enough!
Posted by: Emma Jane | 09/20/2007 at 01:52 AM
We are so ready we are just waiting for you!15th October can't come soon enough!
Posted by: Emma Jane | 09/20/2007 at 01:52 AM
I love Hairspray!!! We have done You can't stop the beat in my dancing show in February.I loved it!! I loved the movie too and have even changed my mims ring tone to Hairspray! Im saving my pocket money like mad to see the show but mum said its too expensive to travel to london. I can keep wishing i suppose. i love the hairspray web site and look at it a lot.Imogen (9) I hope yo have a great time rehearsing it looks gr8 fun. I wish i was old enough to do it.
Posted by: imogen rogers | 09/20/2007 at 04:56 PM
Your singing is great Ben! I think you will be the star of the show. I can't wait to see you in it when my Mum brings me to London. xxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Evie from Scarborough (age 6) | 09/20/2007 at 08:06 PM
OMG i am sooo excited bout seein hairspray!!! ben i jus no ur gnna be GR8 in it dis part was made 4 u!!! ur gnna rule da stage hehe! :D me n ma m8 jess r cumin 2 c it in january 4 days b4 ma b'day wot a prezzie lol!!! ur soooo fit n i no ur gnna be BRILLIANT lv u lotz x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x. p.s gd luck 4 da openin nyt not long 2 go!!! :D
Posted by: leanne | 10/01/2007 at 09:04 PM
OMG i am sooo excited bout seein hairspray!!! ben i jus no ur gnna be GR8 in it dis part was made 4 u!!! ur gnna rule da stage hehe! :D me n ma m8 jess r cumin 2 c it in january 4 days b4 ma b'day wot a prezzie lol!!! ur soooo fit n i no ur gnna be BRILLIANT lv u lotz x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x. p.s gd luck 4 da openin nyt not long 2 go!!! :D
btw dis was actually my comment hehe!!!
Posted by: leanne | 10/01/2007 at 09:06 PM
Me & your bro, are just passing by as nathan is very excited to see you tomoraaa :) im comin sooon, :) lovage x x x
Posted by: Nicol & Nathan | 10/10/2007 at 01:04 PM
Hello,
I have seen Hairspray twice now and absolutely love the show. Ben James-Ellis is perfect for the role of Link and his performance was fantastic, especially his dancing.
Please can Ben write some more blogs when he has time.
Lynne x
PS Please can a Shop be added to the Hairspray website selling merchandise. Could you produce a CD of the London cast? I bought the CD and was disappointed to find it was the Broadway cast which I did not want.
Additionally will you be producing a souvenier programme with more colour photos of the show etc?
Finally could there be an opportunity for people to post comments about the show on the main website?
Congratulations on a brilliant show - can't wait to see it a third time!
Posted by: Lynne | 10/19/2007 at 06:51 PM
Hi Ben I met you briefly at the Adelphi after Joseph press night. I am so delighted that you have a leading part in the West End and I shall be booking to see the show.I am sure you will be brilliant in Hairspray which should really suit your talents.I grew up in Scarborough and worked at Theatre In The Round when it was run by Stephen Joseph and Alan Aykbourn was a deputy stage manager.
Posted by: Vicki Stone | 10/20/2007 at 11:04 PM
hey leanne its betty and duncans daughter just wishing you all the best heard how amazing you have been love to meet you one day in aus land you have our number take care love lois
Posted by: lois | 10/31/2007 at 01:31 AM
Saw the show last November 8th and loved it - especially the dancing and the energy. The whole cast was brilliant but we were blown away by Ben's dancing. Thought you were good on tv but in this show you really had the chance to shine.Thanks to you and wonderful Michael Ball for signing my programme in such a wet and cold weather, true star quality!
Posted by: Vicki Stone | 11/14/2007 at 09:11 PM
Hi,
My friends and I went to see Hairspray at Shaftsbury on 17th Nov and just wanted to say how amazing the set, cast and performance where. Congratulations and thank you for a wonderful show x
Posted by: Louise Boyes | 11/18/2007 at 07:19 PM
Congratulations to everyone involved in Hairspray for winning the Evening Standard Best Musical Award 2007 on 27 November.
Special congratulations to Leanne and Ben for their contributions to the Best Musical on their West End debutes.
I have seen the show twice and can't wait to see it for a 3rd time! Lindsay x
Posted by: Lindsay | 11/28/2007 at 07:09 PM
hairspray brought back the relationship with my best friend
Posted by: wiggywoo | 12/26/2007 at 04:51 PM
Hello,
I went to see Hairspray for the 3rd time yesterday and it was absolutely fantastic. Stand out performance for me was Ben James-Ellis as Link - he puts so much energy, enthusiasm and sheer joy into the role. He brings a very special magic to the show which makes it so brilliant and unforgettable! Thank you.
PS Please can we have some more blogs and updates on this part of the site - thanks
Posted by: mary | 12/30/2007 at 04:54 PM
If you're in a not good position and have got no cash to get out from that point, you will need to take the personal loans. Just because it will aid you emphatically. I take credit loan every time I need and feel good just because of this.
Posted by: JoanneFerrell27 | 08/17/2011 at 12:57 AM