Phill Jupitus and Les Dennis star in Hairspray at the Liverpool Empire

Comedian Phill Jupitus will play larger-than-life Edna Turnblad when Hairspray comes to Liverpool this summer. And the Never Mind the Buzzcocks team captain, who is currently starring in the West End musical, will be joined by Liverpool entertainer Les Dennis at the Empire in August.
Liverpool Echo

Jupitus & Dennis in Liverpool Hairspray

It has been announced that the Liverpool run of the tour of hit musical Hairspray will star Phill Jupitus in drag as Edna Turnblad and Liverpool comic Les Dennis as his husband Wilbur.
British Theatre Guide

Jupitus for Liverpool Hairspray role

Comedian and Never Mind the Buzzcocks team captain Phill Jupitus will reprise the role of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray when it visits Liverpool’s Empire Theatre in the summer.
What's On Stage

Jupitus not to star in Hairspray in Liverpool

Contrary to previous reports, including on the theatre's own web site, comedian and star of TV's Never Mind The Buzzcocks Phil Jupitus will not reprise his role as Edna Turnblad in the touring production of the musical Hairspray when it visits the Liverpool Empire in August.
British Theatre Guide

Cast: Starke to replace Jupitus in Hairspray

Local actor Michael Starke is replacing Phill Jupitus as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray when it visits the Liverpool Empire Theatre in the summer.
What's On Stage

Michael Starke on Lucky Numbers at Liverpool Royal Court and playing Hairspray’s Edna Turnblad

Lucky Numbers is the second Royal Court show for Starke in less than a year. He appeared in Willy Russell’s Our Day Out at the Liverpool theatre last autumn, and is currently preparing for another high-profile musical role – Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, which tours to the Empire in August.
Liverpool Daily Post

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.
Liverpool Daily Post

Hairspray cast at the Liverpool Empire

It will be an all-Liverpool affair when hit musical Hairspray comes to the Empire this summer.
Liverpool Echo

Michael Starke All Set for Edna in Hairspray

Local actor Michael Starke who replaced Phill Jupitus as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray is all set for the Liverpool Empire Theatre when the show visits the region next month.
What's On Stage

Les Dennis and Michael Starke play happy families in Hairspray at the Empire

It’s big, it’s brash, it’s bold, it’s bloomin’ good fun – and Hairspray’s arrival at the Empire theatre next month will also be something of a homecoming for its leading lads and ladies.
Liverpool Echo

...how Liverpool's ex-Brookside superstar, Michael Starke would reprocess this transatlantic Dame Edna...?... with great zest and authenticity... Dina Tree as the... heroine Tracey - standing in for the indisposed Laurie Scarth - ... held the show's pivotal role with the greatest confidence and aplomb... Les Dennis... role of joke shop owner husband/dad Wilbur, is virtually a cameo... until the show-stopping both poignant and hilarious second act song and dance duet with Michael Starke which deservedly brings the house down.
Liverpool Daily Post / Liverpool Echo (Rating: 8/10)

...a sure-fire hit... Michael Starke... is a star turn... he struts his stuff as though he was born to wear a dress and high heels... Les Dennis... has a lesser role but comes into his own when the two do a hilarious duet... the plaudits must also go to understudy Dina Tree, standing in for the indisposed Laurie Scarth... The sets are magnificent, the pace electric, the dancing outstanding, and the girls’ 60s full skirts and the slicked back hair of the boys brilliant... This high-energy show is one that you should not miss at any costs!
What's On Stage (Rating: 5/5)