Theatre Review: Grease

(AD: EVENT INVITE*) The last time I went to see Grease on stage I got the dates wrong and stood whimpering in the foyer whilst Ma Lee implored the box office staff to let us in. We ended up sitting tucked up in the rear corner of the theatre, thankful to be in the audience at all. This time I made sure that Mr Fletche and I arrived in plenty of time – and on the right date – for Press Night at the Alex Theatre.

Grease is the way we are feeling

1950’s America. Souped-up cars, school dances, drive-in movies and graduation are on the minds of the students of Rydell High. It’s been 50 years since Grease the musical hit the stage in Chicago, and 43 years since Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta took on the iconic roles of Sandy and Danny in the movie of the same name. Directed by Nikolai Foster, this is the first new touring production in 25 years. It pays homage to the original stage show, with switches in the soundtrack order from that of the film, and some of the best omitted songs returning. Apart from Raining on Prom Night. I miss that song.

Subtle tweaks keep the show feeling fresh and contemporary, although it’s difficult not to notice the more problematic themes running through. Slut-shaming. Fat-shaming. Sexual overtures without consent. Things I never noticed when I played the film on a loop when I was growing up, mouthing the script word-for-word. And this stage production seems a little grittier than the sanitised film; the barbed comments are a little crueller, the bullying a little harsher.

My heart is saying “Don’t let go”

Alternate Sandy Ellie Kingdon portrays the archetypal demure good girl, until the jarring about-turn at the end when she decides that leather-trouser clad Sandy is a better option than pastel cardigan Sandy. She has a cracking voice though, and blows the audience away with her emotionally charged version of Hopelessly Devoted To You. Dan Patridge plays too-cool-for-school Danny Zuko, with the right balance between macho posturing and misunderstood hero.

It’s difficult to step into Stockard Channing’s pencil skirt as Rizzo but Tendai Rinomhota puts her own spin on the character. She just lacks the requisite cynicism and world-weariness. And is it just me or was her big song There Are Worse Things I Could Do sung at too fast a pace? Her rapport with Ellie was great though, and her performance of the song to Sandy rather than as a monologue worked well.

Missed your mid-terms and flunked shampoo

The young ensemble cast are enthusiastic and energetic, and particular plaudits go to Maeve Byrne and Josh Barnett as Jan and Roger for their crowd-pleasing version of Moonin’. And of course, we can’t let a review of Grease go by without mentioning Teen Angel/Vince Fontaine – one Mr Peter Andre, who has swapped his washboard stomach for a leopardskin satin jacket. He gives a joy-filled performance, impressing the audience with his moves and his vocals, and justifies top billing as a star name. Andre oozes a strong stage presence, even when he is simply in the background.

This production has one of the best sets of any of the touring productions I’ve seen at the Alex this year, seamlessly transitioning between high school bleachers, school gym, teenagers bedroom and diner. The ensemble choreography is slick, carefully curated by Dame Arlene Philips, and Born to Hand Jive is a highlight. Thea Bunting as Patty Simcox particularly shines in this number.

It’s a feel-good show, with all the familiar numbers, and it ends with a megamix which is typical of any wedding disco worth its salt. The cast look as if they’re having a great time, and the audience are right on their feet dancing with them like they’ve just received a corsage on prom night.

Ramma lamma lamma ka dingity ding da dong

Grease is playing at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 6th November 2021.

All Production Photos by Sean Ebsworth Barnes