Grease The Musical – Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Amy Peacey
If you mention the word Grease, everyone will be able to recite a song or two. The movie was iconic and can be watched repeatedly. The stage show however is in a league of its own. It is simply amazing. The high energy performance is a real spectacle and gives you goose bumps from start to finish.
I have watched the movie multiple times and saw the stage show some 20 years ago. I jumped at the chance to see this latest version of Grease, one of my all-time favourites.
On a chilly night in October, we travelled to the Mayflower Theatre. As it was half term the traffic getting to Southampton was lighter than usual which was a bonus. The town was busy, and it took a little while to park. The closest car park is just round the corner from the theatre so easy walking distance.
The Grade II listed Mayflower Theatre has had a bit of a facelift on the outside in the past few years, but the inside still possesses the elegant charm of an old theatre you would expect. The facilities are great with various bars to buy pre and interval beverages and snacks. There is also a new Prosecco bar which is available for patrons of the Empire Suite. And do not forget the ice cream kiosks which are located within the theatre itself.
The Mayflower Theatre has a variety of accessible performances including audio description performances, chilled performances and BSL interpreted performances to name a few.
The story of Grease follows Sandy, the girl next door, who joins Rydell High School for her senior year. Sandy is reunited with Danny, a leather clad cool kid with whom she had a summer romance. The story follows their on-off romance along with the trials and tribulations of their teenage friendship groups including, the infamous Pink Ladies and the Burger Palace Boys.
The cast were brilliant. Both the acting and singing were on point. Marley Fenton and Hope Dawe were the lead actors for Danny and Sandy and really made the characters their own. The high energy dancing made the show. The fabulous Dame Arlene Phillips is the choreographer.
The show contains the much-loved hits from the movie including Greased Lightenin’, Summer Nights, and You’re the One That I Want. The audience had no choice but to sing along. One of the highlights for me was the mega mix at the end of the show. Everyone was singing and dancing and the atmosphere was amazing. I left the theatre with a smile on my face and full of joy.
An iconic story, a wonderful cast, high energy and powerful singing and dancing – just what you need to lift your spirits on a dark and cold Autumn evening. I would recommend this show to both Grease lovers and newbies.
You can see Grease the Musical at the Mayflower Theatre between 29th October and the 2nd November. Tickets are on sale for between £29.50 and £54.50 depending on the location of your seats and the date.
Mayflower Theatre is located at 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GE.
Rating: 5/5
You can book tickets and find out further information here: https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/grease-2024/