John Waters’ first ‘mainstream’ movie Hairspray explored serious themes of tolerance in a riotously camp early 1960s setting. In 2002, with the addition of songs by former Bette Midler composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman, it became a hit Broadway musical .

The show stars newcomer Leanne Jones in the role that made Ricki Lake famous, while traditionally cross-dressing part of Edna Turnblad, the irrepressible heroine’s mother, will by taken by a barely recognisable Michael Ball.

The show also features comedian and actor Mel Smith, and Coronation Streets' Tracie Bennett.

We have three exclusive songs from the show, plus a gallery of pictures from one of the hottest West End Tickets this autumn.

Songs require the Windows Media player plug-in:

You Can't Stop the Beat

Good Morning Baltimore

Welcome to the 60s

Click here for movie clips from the show on the Hairspray video player

Click here for an exclusive Times premium ticket offer, or call the Shaftesbury Theatre box office on 0870 013 0661, quoting the reference 'Hairspray Premium Tickets'

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