Grease at Milton Keynes Theatre
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by L Burton
Currently showing at Milton Keynes Theatre, Grease hit the stage last night with such pomp and circumstance. From the second the show started, we were transported back to the 1950’s, where the 1959 class of Rydell High were getting ready to finish school. As per the 1978 movie with the same name, the story started with Danny Zuko (Maley Fenton) and Sandy Dumbrowski (Hope Dawe) saying farewell to their summer romance on the beach. Fab vocals from both actor and actress and even though from his initial picture in the programme, Fenton did not strike me as a “Danny” but boy oh boy, when he started singing and dancing, it was clear to see why he got the main part! Very much enjoyed his performance which he made his own right from the beginning of the show.
Some scenes have understandably been changed from the movie – it did not alter the enjoyment; you are just aware that it’s different especially when you have watched the movie as many times as I have! I thoroughly enjoyed that most of the original songs were included – the music is what made the movie for me and therefor, the same for the show. Grease just is not Grease without all-time favourites this such as Grease is the word, Summer Loving, Grease Lightning, Stranded at the Drive-In, and many more.
There were some actor changes for this show but unless you were told, you wouldn’t notice it at all! This cast was superb, on point with their timing, dancing, singing – it was a huge success and the level of commitment to each character was on another level. Huge shout outs to all the principal cast members – Rebecca Stenhouse (Rizzo), Adam Davidson (Kenickie) – you two were fantastic in these roles. And the list of superb performances just continues! Ben Middleton (Roger) – your voice was something I would expect from this era of music – the number you sang together with Imogen Malone (Jan) was probably one of my favourite musical numbers in this show! Kieran Lynch (Doody), Sario Solomon (Sonny), Alicia Belgarde (Frenchy), India Chadwick (Marty), Thomas Inge (Johnny Casino), Jayd’n Tyrone (Eugene), Phoebe Roberts (Patty Simcox), Dominque Planter (Miss Lynch) and Deena Kapadia (Cha Cha).
Gorgeously realistic costumes by Colin Richmond, lighting designed by Ben Cracknell and choreography by Arlene Phillips brought this show together to deliver something super on stage and you would very much not want to miss this production! Tickets start from £13 and can be purchased from Grease | August 2024 | Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes | ATG Tickets.
I give this show 5/5 – it has been one of my favourites on stage in a long time and I would urge you not to miss this production. Just a little word of caution – I brought my 10-year-old daughter along to watch the show as she has seen the movie many times. The language is much more explicit – it is less so in the film. There are some hand gestures too. That also applies to the sexual innuendo’s – much less obvious in the film but rather explicit on stage and just something to bear in mind if you are bringing much younger children along.
This show is on until the 10th August at Milton Keynes Theatre so make sure you don’t miss this production! It would make a fantastic outing for any Grease fan and you will soon be singing along with the cast!
Rating: 5/5
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/grease/milton-keynes-theatre/?