Surprise proposal at Alhambra Theatre after Hairspray

As crowds poured out of the venue after Hairspray’s opening night, Maxx Townend got down on one knee in the foyer.

A round of applause echoed through the room as people watched the happy moment unfold from the steps above.

The moment Maxx asked Holly an important question (Image: Newsquest) It was a complete surprise to his fiance Holly Tindall who had been unaware of Maxx’s weeks of planning.

Maxx had taken Holly - a big Hairspray fan - to see a show on her birthday. 

The special moment took place after the couple, who have been together for three years, welcomed their first child.

They were excited to head home to Eccleshill, Bradford, and see their seven-week-old baby.

Describing how he felt during the show, Maxx said: “Terrified - heart going left, right - when they were on the last act I was like ok, how am I going to do this? She tried to go out the side door and I was like, ‘No we’re going up, it’s quicker’. I’ve known for quite a while, a lot of planning has gone into it.

Maxx and Holly by the Alhambra sign in the foyer - where the proposal took place (Image: Newsquest) “When I booked this I was like there’s no better time, on your birthday. I just wanted to make it perfect. 

“I’ve known for months and months, she just thought she was getting a Soda Stream for her birthday.

“With a seven-week-old baby at home there’s no better time, make it proper. I’m just happy you [Holly] said yes.”

Holly joked: “I really wanted the Soda Stream!”

Hairspray - with characters Tracy Turnblad and her mother Edna Turnblad, pictured, played by Katie Brace and Neil Hurst - had its opening night at the Alhambra on Monday, November 25 (Image: Ellie Kurttz) Maxx had sent Holly’s best friend on a secret mission to get Holly’s nails done.

Her friend claimed to have booked a nails appointment with someone she saw online, but it turned out to be Maxx’s cousin, who is a beautician.

Holly had left thinking that it was just a “small world”.

“I kept it very, very quiet,” said Maxx.

“My mates are married and they’re like, 'Oh what do you think of marriage?' I was like, I’m not bothered for it really - I was playing it very cool.”

Holly joked: “I was saying, the baby’s got your last name, I’m the only one that doesn’t have the last name, and that sucks!”

Staff and theatregoers stopped the couple to look at Holly’s ring and pass on their congratulations.

Holly said: “I love Hairspray!

“It’s just a blur, I didn’t know he was going to do that. I didn’t have a clue.”