Hairspray – Fun Facts Feature!

 

Did you know that a vintage size 10 dress fits a modern-day size 6? Or that it was uncommon to have pierced ears in the 1960s? We uncover some of the secrets and facts behind AussieTheatre.com’s featured show Hairspray 

 

Did you know that a vintage size 10 dress fits a modern-day size 6? Or
that it was uncommon to have pierced ears in the 1960s? We uncover some
of the secrets and facts behind AussieTheatre.com’s featured show Hairspray in this fun facts feature…

Set in the 1960s, Hairspray is a feel-good musical which explores the themes of self-image, self esteem and the wrongs of segregation and inequality. The show is currently playing at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre and we found some interesting facts and figures to share with you about the Australian production. 

Wigs and Wardrobe:

• 80 metres of human hair is used in each of the 60 individual wigs in the production.
• Each wig is build on a net which has approximately 50, 000 small holes. Each strand of hair is sewn into the wigs individually. Each hole has 3 strands of hair.
• In total, 9, 00, 000 strands of hair are sewn into the wigs.
• Top it off with the 50 cans of Hairspray used each week to set the wigs and maintain them!

• The show features over 1000 individual costume pieces and 148 pairs of handmade shoes
• Director, David Atkins donated two shirts from his vintage collection for the show, worn by Link Larkin (Jack Chambers)
• The women in the show wear authentic pointy bras from the
  60s. It took several weeks to adjust to the size of the point – the girls kept bumping into each other!

Design:

• The glomesh style fabric for Tracy and Edna’s for their ‘Welcome to
  the 60s’ costumes was supplied by a German company, who use it to make
  safety fences. (The last time it was used for fashion was for Gianni
  Versace)
• The design for ‘Welcome to the 60s’, a mod dream sequence was inspired
  by a vintage handbag found by Costume and Wig designer, Janet Hine
• Some fabrics were found in Bali where the Costume Designer came across a
  storeroom with original 60s fabrics that had remained untouched for 50
  years
• All the dresses in the finale of show have elements of vintage fabrics
  in the design which have been re-cut and embellished to add authenticity
  to the look
• Each tulle petticoat has 50 metres of tulle
• Over 5000 Swarovski crystals were used in the costumes for the final scene

Tech Specs:

• An integral part of the Hairspray design are six LED video screens which each weigh in excess of 4 tonnes. 
• The Digital Content Playback system (called
  Only View) used to control and generate the video content in the
  show was designed in France, and also used for the the 2010 Vancouver Olympic games
  Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

What else would you like to know about the show? Email us [email protected] and we will look into it for you!