Paul Merton Nabs Role of Wilbur in West End Return of Hairspray; Rita Simons & Jonny Amies Also Join Cast

They can't stop the beat! Paul Merton, Rita Simons and Jonny Amies have been cast as Wilbur Turnblad, Velma Von Tussle and Link Larkin, respectively, in the upcoming West End remount of Hairspray. The previously announced London production, featuring the original direction of Jack O'Brien and choreography of Jerry Mitchell, will begin previews on April 23 and open on April 29 at the London Coliseum.

Merton is a legendary U.K. comedy star known for BBC's Have I Got News for You; Hairspray will mark his West End debut. Simons is most known for her turn as Roxy Mitchell on the British soap opera Eastenders; her stage credits include Legally Blonde and Dream Team. Amies first collaborated with Hairspray choreographer Mitchell on the jukebox musical My Own British Invasion at Paper Mill Playhouse; his screen work includes Granchester and Sex Education.

Merton, Simons and Amies will appear alongside the previously announced Michael Ball, reprising his Olivier-winning turn as Edna Turnblad, with Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad and Marisha Wallace as Motormouth Maybelle.

Based on John Waters' 1988 film, Hairspray features a book by Thomas Meehan and Mark O'Donnell and a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The songlist includes the feel-good numbers "Good Morning, Baltimore," "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" and "You Can't Stop the Beat."

Additional casting for the production will be announced at a later date.