Grease at the Birmingham Hippodrome Review

Reviewed by Catherine Brown

‘Grease the musical’ has arrived at Birmingham Hippodrome bringing just as much energy and comedy as the original film. With the songs and storyline already familiar to me, I was interested to see how the cast would deliver this well-known show.

Set in the 1950’s, Rydell High School students Sandy (Over the Rainbow winner Danielle Hope) and Danny (Tom Parker from boy band The Wanted) are reunited after a summer romance. Things don’t go smoothly thanks to interference from Rizzo and the pink ladies and Danny not wanting to lose face before his friends the T-birds. The show does a brilliant job of demonstrating all the drama and heartache that being a teenager brings.

While the energy of all the cast is fantastic, my favourite part involved the dance competition to the hand jive, although a scene with the boys singing Greased Lightnin’ came a close second. There was plenty of humour from Doody played by Ryan Heenan and even a scene where the backing dancers came out of the shower brandishing their loofahs!

The actors are supported by vibrant costumes and impressive scenery. The audience were obviously enjoying themselves too as there was plenty of toe-tapping, clapping along and the occasional murmur of people joining in singing the songs. Jimmy Osmond got the loudest applause playing the part of Teen Angel although my personal favourite was Louisa Lyton who gave the character of Rizzo all the swagger and attitude she deserved.

The theatre is easy to get, we parked at the Arcadian car park nearby which offers an after 5pm theatre rate.  The staff at the hippodrome were very helpful and friendly. There was a good range of drinks and snacks available at the interval along with a selection of Grease merchandise.  The seats were comfortable with generous leg room and there were plenty of clean toilets which avoided the chance of large queues.

I would recommend this show to audiences of all ages, definitely worthy of a 5 out of 5 rating.  I was captivated by the non-stop energy and left the theatre with a smile on my face and me and my companion doing the hand-jive!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15 (booking fees may apply).

Grease the musical is at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 29 May to 3 June 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call the box office on 0844 338 5000.

Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB | 0844 338 5000