Casting has yet to be announced. Previously, the Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman musical, which received eight 2003 Tonys including Best Musical, was booked at London's Adelphi Theatre but was delayed to avoid clashing with the John Travolta film version, which is due for American release in July.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, the show is based on John Waters' 1988 movie of the same name. With a book by Marc O'Donnell, the story follows the fortunes of "pleasantly plump" Baltimore teenager Tracy Turnblad, who yearns to perform in the Corny Collins Dance Show.

Transformed overnight from outsider to teen celebrity, Tracy's next mission is to vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show.

The Broadway hit, directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, premiered at New York's Neil Simon Theatre in 2002, where it continues to run.

Hairspray will be produced in London by Stage Entertainment with Margo Lion, The Baruch/Viertel/Routh /Frankel Group, New Line Cinema in association with others from the Broadway producing team.

London's Shaftesbury Theatre is currently hosting the fifth West End run of Fame.

For more information on Hairspray, call (0)207 379 5399.