Grease theatre review (UK Tour): Grease is still the word as the forty six-year-old musical embarks on a 2017 tour, arriving in the capital at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
Grease theatre review by Barbara Jones, April 2017.
The story: Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as Danny and Sandy fall in love all over again. It’s the original high-school musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more.
Grease UK Tour // Image: Paul Coltas
From the moment the orchestra struck up with the Overture, the expectation for the evening was set, and the audience were not disappointed.
Grease is now forty six years old and is now delighting and exciting its third generation of fans. Energetic and athletic, the dance routines were brilliantly executed, enhanced by the talented and vigorous orchestra – the audience loved every beat and knew every beat.
A skilful dancer and good singer, The Wanted’s Tom Parker gave an excellent performance, but he was unfortunately not quite as convincing as some as Danny, in contrast to a faultless performance by Strictly Come Dancing’s Danielle Hope, she was everybody’s perfect Sandy. The transition from Sandra D to Sandy was total – from virgin to vamp in minutes!
Grease UK Tour // Image: Paul Coltas
The magnetism of Louise Lyton , as Rizzo, was tangible – her every presence on stage was unmissable, at times poignant and, as hoped, the audience both loved and hated her. The audience were there to love and embrace and reminisce about every moment of the production. Feet were dancing, hands clapping and, unfortunately, our voices were singing!
Grease continues to enthral its audiences, and the feel good factor is still there. Could Warren Casey have guessed when he wrote this musical just how iconic it would be? Would he have written it if he had not met Jim Casey at an after show party? How lucky for so many audiences over so many years, that he did!
Grease theatre review by Barbara Jones, New Theatre Wimbledon, April 2017.
Grease plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre, London until Saturday 29th April 2017.
