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We asked our leading lovebirds Rebecca Mendoza (Tracy Turnblad) and Edward Chitticks (Link Larkin) their pre-show routines, what advice they would give their teenage self and what they were really like at school.  

Who/What inspired you to become a performer?      

Rebecca: From a very young age my mum put me into dance classes and my love for performing began then. Hoylake School of dance became a second home and my love for musical theatre grew stronger. Without that school I wouldn’t be the performer I am now.

Edward: No-one really. I fell into it by accident. I used to do martial arts but they couldn’t afford rent. The space was taken over and so I started singing.

Do you have any pre-show/backstage habits?

Rebecca: I always get really nervous about 5 mins before I go on so I have to give myself a little pep talk and say a quick message to my Nan and Granddad who have passed away and that calms me.

Edward: I like to psych myself up by shouting affirmations at the mirror…kidding :). Eat some food, take a hot shower and get ready!

What is your dressing room essential?

Rebecca: A picture of my family.

Edward: Toothpaste, mints, breath spray (for the kissing scenes!).

At school, were you one of the nicest kids in town or were you more likely to be in detention?

Rebecca: I was very good in school. I was head girl!

Edward: Absolutely a nicest kid but I was still the cheekiest person in the room.

What is your favourite dance move?

Rebecca: The Worm

Edward: The ‘hey baby you look like you could use a stiff one’

What was your favourite TV show when you were a teenager?

Rebecca: Saved by the Bell!

Edward: The Corny Collins Show

What would you say to your teenage self?

Rebecca: Ignore what people say you can’t do because you will prove them all wrong. Believe in yourself and learn to love yourself more.

Edward: Don’t take everything so seriously and ALWAYS BE YOU!

Describe hairspray in three words?

Rebecca: Life-changing, hilarious, fun!

Edward: Highly volatile, flammable, mould breaking. I’ll let you work out whether I am talking about the product or the show!

Book tickets for Hairspray at a venue near you!