Grease - Our review!

April 12, 2017 by Claire Cosgrove

Grease - Our review 

Grease; a classic film and the soundtrack of my youth. Fact. John Travolta, Olivia Newton John… come on, who doesn’t love it? Whether you wanted to strut with the Pink Ladies or be a super cool T-Bird, most people have seen the film during their misspent youth. Yet, Grease started life on the stage, with the legendary Richard Gere, among many starts, taking the show-stopping role of Danny Zuko, reinvented time and time again by the hot young thing of the day.

I watched the stage show for the first time back in 1994 (yikes) with Craig McCachalan taking the title role, Shane Richie as Kenickie and there was even Tamisin Outhwaite lurking in the chorus! I fell in love with the stage show instantly and promptly bought the soundtrack and learnt all the words (what a rebel I was). Now, 24 years later (?!), I am back at the Cliff’s Pavilion, ready for a sing-a-long.

Ooh, it is good! The stage show pretty much follows the film, with some minor alternations, probably because some scenes would be impossible to recreate on the stage. Do not fear, classics such as; You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ are mercifully there for us to enjoy.

The ‘Danny’ of the moment falls to Tom Parker from ‘The Wanted’ fame. He looks the part, and he certainly pulled in the audience but he didn’t have the suave charm and confidence for me. His vocals lacked against some of the more experienced musical actors but he took up the mantel of Danny with enthusiasm. The iconic role of Sandy was brilliantly taken by Danielle Hope, the winner of the BBC talent contest, Over The Rainbow. Glowing with the innocence of youth and young love, she more than lived up to the role. Her rich and powerful voice sparkled on the stage often outshining her co-leads. We also have Darren Day, now taking up the role of Vince and the rather cheesy, Teen Angel. I thought he was great. He played to the crowd and belted out his numbers like a real pro. A lot of fun.

There are lots of oily quiffs and twirling petticoats, all jiving around the stage in spectacular dance routines, choreographed by Arlene Philips. The live band, revealed at the top of the show, seated above the stage, really added to the atmosphere. All the cast pull their weight but I particularly enjoyed watching Ryan Heenan and Oliver Jacobson, showing some real talent on the stage.

It’s a great night out and I thoroughly enjoyed it and whole-heartedly recommend. On at The Cliff’s until Saturday 15th April. The perfect Easter treat!

This review is with thanks to Claire Cosgrove

To book your tickets please click the link https://southendtheatres.org.uk/online/tickets-grease-southend-2017