Interview with Rob Palmer on ‘Hairspray’ and beauty on the inside and out

The latest production of Hairspray the Musical, originally performed on Broadway decades ago, has finally reached Perth and features an excellent cast, brilliant costuming, and fabulous numbers throughout.

Very much up there in the lead section of the cast is Rob Palmer, whom you might recognise from TV’s Better Homes & Gardens, and who can now add certified theatre performer to his CV.

Here, Rob chats with Cream about the brilliance and beauty of a show like Hairspray, and also helps us realise the show is not all about drag. Still, it’s rather surprising to learn that he hasn’t gotten to witness the fabulousness of drag artist Divine in the original John Waters movie…

Interview by Antonino Tati

What is it about Hairspray that speaks to audiences around the world, and of different generations?

I feel like Hairspray gives an almighty up yours to prejudice. It shows that dreams are worth chasing, a lost dream can be found, and that enthusiasm or ambition for change won’t be buried by “the way it is” anymore.

“When I’m on stage I’m a mother and a woman in love… as much as a bloke like me can be!”

In playing Edna, did you study the art of drag from various sources or have you seen enough of it to put on the fab wardrobe and just get on with the performance?

To be honest, I’ve not considered Edna as being “in drag”. I think of Edna as a mother whose dreams of fashion greatness were largely squashed by public perception of her ability due to her shape. She has a massive heart and a powerful love for her family. She’s fiercely protective of Tracy and madly in love with Wilbur – who sees her for her true beauty. I guess I imagine what a mother would do and how a mother would feel given the same circumstance. I feel as if I’m playing an actual character. If that comes across as a man in drag, so be it. I suppose that’s the point of having a man play Edna, but when I’m on stage I’m a mother and a woman in love… as much as a bloke like me can be! It comes from an honest place, so I hope it’s enough.

I assume you’ve been familiar with actor/singer Divine – the artist who played Edna in the original film; have you tried to bring as much of Divine’s raucous behaviour to performance as possible?

I actually haven’t seen the first film. I did see John Travolta play the role [which] was a fun watch.

There’s a scene in which you perform in front of stage curtain a rather long song with your stage husband, Wilbur, and there are some rather risqué movements in that scene. How much fun did you have rehearsing for this and performing the number?

It’s a ripper scene for me to be a part of. It’s Edna at her most vulnerable, most exposed and most in love. From my understanding of this couple, the best part of it was realising that to love Wilbur, Edna had to love herself too.

What is one main difference of performing as a presenter on television compared to a larger-than-life character on stage?

The dialogue is vastly different. I feel looked-after performing this Hairspray script. It’s smashed Broadway for good reason. Every little exchange is a deliberate punctuation of a larger classic story. As far as enthusiasm goes, I don’t see a great difference. I’ve always found that an honest enthusiasm and joy for something is a feeling that can cross the line between a stage or screen and an audience. The live arena of theatre is captivating to me. It’s the instant feeling of connection and relationship between the performer and the crowd that really fires me up. I’ve never felt so close to an audience as I do when Wilbur and I do Your Timeless to Me. What a rush!

Hairspray was a pivotal film in sending out messages of diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity. What is one extra message you think the current musical sends out?

That value is in the person, not on the person, and that every person has value. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all look beyond what our own minds see as normal or comfortable, and find true beauty there?

‘Hairspray the Broadway Musical’ is on at Crown Theatre until Saturday 28 September.

For dates, times and ticket pricing, visit crownperth.com.au.