Les Dennis and Michael Starke launch Hairspray at the Liverpool Empire
LIVERPOOL actors Les Dennis and Michael Starke visited the Empire Theatre yesterday to promote musical Hairspray.
It is the first time the show, which opens in August for a two-week run, has toured the UK.
It will be Dennis’s third spell at the Empire this year after appearing in panto alongside US actor Henry Winkler and as Mr Fulton in High School Musical 2.
The actor, who plays joke shop owner Wilbur Turnblad, said: “I love coming to the Empire.
“When I was six or seven I came to see Tommy Steele in Jack And The Beanstalk and it was the first time I thought ‘I want to do that’.
“I get a kick out of performing in theatres across the country but the biggest is at the Empire.”
Starke will follow in the footsteps of Michael Ball, who won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Edna Turnblad.
He said: “It is very exciting that the first show I take over as Edna will be here in Liverpool.
“It means my family and friends will be able to come and watch.”
