EntertainmentTheatre

Grease at the Wolverhampton Grand Review

27 November to 2 December 2017

Reviewed by Cate Norris

Whilst waiting for the show to start, excited energy could be felt all around the auditorium and it was clear that Wolverhampton were out for a good night. Many people had gone all out and dressed for the occasion as pink ladies or in 50s fashion which reminded me that Grease is quite personal to so many people, meaning that the responsibility on the cast, crew and creative team was massive. It wasn’t long before the stage exploded to life in a flurry of activity, and flashing lights which threatened to permanently damage vision whilst transporting us to 1950s America.

Kicking off with the track Sandy and a case of lost love, we got to see the vocal talents of Danielle Hope (Sandy) and Tom Parker (Danny). In addition, the use of the song Sandy out of sequence (usually connected to the drive through scene) was perfect for setting the scene. A general highlight of the show was the use of songs more than once and in unexpected places. This heightened interest and encouraged listening to known songs in a different way, as if hearing them for the first time. The storyline is the one we are familiar with, it’s one that we know and love about the challenges of school life, the trials and tribulations of friendships, the pain of first love, the pull of peer pressure and the general confusion of it all. It will always be relevant.

My favourite scenes took place at Rydell High School with one of them being Those Magic Changes with Doody (Ryan Heenan). This was very funny, somewhat camp, a little ridiculous but underneath all of that was a lot of entertainment and a superb vocal.

The young, fresh, talented, energetic cast absolutely nailed their parts. They not only looked like their characters but encapsulated them completely. The Pink Ladies were amazing with their high-pitched accents and Louisa Lytton had Rizzo’s sassy attitude spot on. Alessia McDermott was a sexy senorita as Cha Cha and could have been picked straight from the movie. The chemistry and banter between the T-Birds was incredible, but I did fear the testosterone levels of all men everywhere may catch and reach an all-time high! The cast clearly work well together which was shown during a seamless whole company clapping routine to We Go Together. Gosh how I wanted to be part of it. I remember having that exact feeling as a kid after watching the film adaptation of Grease and measuring happiness by achievement of singing and dancing through a fair ground with lots of wonderful friends around me!

I absolutely urge any Grease fan to go to see this show. It is a fun, fast paced, energetic and bubbly arrangement. The well-known score had the entire audience singing, clapping and toe tapping along. If you can’t be in it, go and see it. It’s a real feel good favourite that won’t disappoint!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £14.50 to £59 (booking fees may apply).

Grease the musical is at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 27 November to 2 December 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01902 429 212.

The Grand Theatre Wolverhampton, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DE

Show More
Back to top button