Grease at the Lawrence Batley Theatre Review
Grease
Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield
25-29 March 2014
Reviewed by Musarrat Khan
Grease is a heart-warming lively musical. This Woodhouse Musical Theatre Company’s production was based on the original 1978 Paramount Pictures ‘Grease’.
The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of young love and peer group pressures, interjected with familiar and well-loved songs and spectacular dance routines. Set in 1950s America in the small town of Rydell, Sandy Dumbrowsky and Danny Zuko meet again, unexpectedly after a summer romance (Summer Nights). Sandy is new to the school and struggles to fit in with the elite girl gang ‘The Pink Ladies’ and unbeknown to her Danny is at the same school. The joy of this meeting is soon clouded by Danny’s concerns for his hard man reputation, amongst his gang the ultra-cool T-birds. The musical portrays the pairs’ teenage angst in an entertaining and light-hearted manner as they manoeuvre peer relationships, their need to belong, grapple with their status amongst their groups and their own feelings for each other. Other characters such as Rizzo and Frenchy encounter the realities of growing up and the adult world as they face the consequences of their actions and inactions.
The role of Sandy is well cast with the fresh faced Leah Stanfield and Danny is played by the swaggering Scott Armstrong. At times the show was stolen by Rebecca Cawthra as Rizzo who performed outstanding solos (‘look at me I’m Sandra Dee’ and ‘There are worse things I could do’). Marty played by Mollie Targett performance (Freddy my Love) filled the theatre with her echoing beautiful voice. The performance of ‘Greased Lightnin’ was spectacular in terms of music and dance, and had members of the audience joining in. Doody played by James Buckley particularly stood out as a strong and outstanding dance performer. The production ends with an ‘impossible to resist tapping your foot’ performance of ‘You’re the One I Want’. The choreography was excellent. If you like good music and excellent dance performances this is definitely one not to be missed. Vintage fans will feast upon the colourful and stylish costumes.
The venue Lawrence Batley Theatre is easy to access with good transport links to the surrounding cities of Huddersfield. Street parking is available after 18:00. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The theatre itself is spacious and comfortable with a good bar. The venues central location is amenable to nearby restaurants and taxi services which makes it an excellent evening out for any occasion.
Overall, this show was a definite mood lifter with its upbeat and lively performance.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £14.
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01484 43052.
The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP | 01484 43052
