Eloise Davies as Frenchy & Peter Andre as Teen Angel in the UK and Ireland tour of GREASE, credit Manuel Harlan.Long standing favourite Grease is back and is billed to be grittier and more glamorous than ever. Nikolai Foster’s direction revitalises Grease and makes it a brand new version of the much-loved hit. Featuring well known songs such as ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Greased Lightnin’, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ and ‘You’re the One That I Want’ and new choreography by Arlene Phillips this new UK Tour is fresh and fun.
After a summer whirlwind romance Sandy finds herself transferring to Rydell High where leather-clad bad boy Danny is studying. But will their love be able to survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life?
Although stunt casting clearly works for this show as the entirety of the run at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley is sold out, with a lot of audience members clearly at the theatre to see Peter Andre, it is the rest of the cast that deserve the most credit. Martha Kirby, who makes her professional debut in this production, is commanding and has a lovely tone of voice as Sandy. With Nikolai Foster’s direction Sandy is headstrong and self confident and Kirby portrays this well. Eloise Davies impresses throughout as the fun, friendly Frenchy and it is Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky who manages to blow the audience away with her stunning rendition of ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ which is one of the rare moments that the audience get a glimpse of true emotion. Jessica Croll must also be mentioned for her fantastic performance as Patty, particularly during her dance routine at the high school dance. Overall the female cast are stronger than their male counterparts, although some technical sound issues at this performance probably didn’t help with this. Dan Partridge who plays Danny Zuko has a strong voice but at times lacks conviction with his character. Fan favourite, Peter Andre shows that he is able to maintain a note during his almost laughable, ridiculously over the top song in the show and clearly the audience were rooting for him for the moment that he appeared on stage.
Martha Kirby as Sandy and Dan Partridge as Danny in the UK and Ireland tour of GREASE, credit Manuel Harlan.The fun, high energy and energetic choreography by Arlene Phillips is performed enthusiastically by all of the cast. The hand jive during the high school hop is a particular highlight with some fantastic 50s style swing tricks thrown in for good measure. The set, by Colin Richmond, certainly works well to create the image of Rydell High School but is not the most innovative. The same could be said of the lighting designed by Guy Hoare. Although it does the job the lighting lacks in originality and ultimately does not add very much to the staging.
Diehard fans of the film may be disappointed as this production certainly changes a lot of elements. However the main characters and plot lines remain the same. It is a shame that fundamentally Grease still portrays that women should change to win affection or love from men – surely this isn’t a message we want to promote? Other opportunities such as teenage pregnancy, also seem to be missed and it is a shame that in today’s society young women are still seeing these highly stereotypical views onstage. This said, Grease has always been one of many people’s favourite musicals and this production will no doubt be one to catch if you are amongst those people. The 2019 UK tour production is smart and sassy and shows a slightly different side to previous versions with stronger and feistier characters. Featuring a talented cast who are vocally strong and with some fancy footwork this musical is bound to continue to be a hit!
Review by Amanda Reynolds
The world’s best-loved musical is back! Grittier and more glamorous than ever before, this brand-new production is direct from a sell-out and critically acclaimed run at Leicester Curve.
After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more?
With its phenomenal score, bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want, this thrilling new version is bought to life by a fresh young cast who bring energy, vitality and passion to this ultimate musical classic.
Directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster and starring very special guest artist – Peter Andre as Teen Angel – reignite your passion and get ready for an explosion of summer loving.
So round-up your Burger Palace Boys, pick up your Pink Ladies and re-discover why Grease really is the one that you want this term!
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey
Directed by Nikolai Foster
Choreography by Arlene Phillips
TUE 8 – SAT 12 OCTOBER 2019
https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/