Reviewed by Keith Mitchell
The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton is easy to reach from the motorway and is well served with several multi storey car parks within a short walk. Plenty of staff are available for security bag checks and are friendly and helpful. If you have hearing aids make sure you have a £5 deposit for the audio loop unit (like a medallion) which worked very well and I was given a quick guide to its use.
So, to the show. The band was arrayed above the stage and gave a brisk introductory medley, lively and well played. The main characters, Sandy and Danny, appeared on raised platforms at either side of the stage for their opening song, Sandy. This gave a flavour of what was to come with Tom Parker and Danielle Hope in fine voice. The stage sets were minimalist, but effective and easily changed throughout by the cast quickly, ensuring the whole production powered along. Our first helping from the ensemble was brim full of enthusiasm and energy with the title song. The bright fifties style clothing and dancing all helped to take the audience back in time. On to Rydell High School for the wonderful Summer Nights and Those Magic Changes. Powerful singing and dancing all very well received by the audience. The T Birds and Pink Ladies live!
Look at me I’m Sandra Dee brings Rizzo, played by former EastEnders Louisa Lytton, to the fore, showing her versatility. This leads to the garage scene for the famous Greased Lightnin’, featuring two old American cars, with the audience bouncing along with the cast. Moving on through Rydell Fight Song, Mooning and We Go Together it became time for the band, audience and cast to get a well-earned rest at the interval.
The second half started back at Rydell for Shakin’ at The High School Hop with the cast singing with great gusto, featuring the dance competition. The tempo constantly changed with it’s Raining On Prom Night and Born to Hand Jive before arriving at one of the treats of the show, Sandy singing Hopelessly Devoted To You. This went down an absolute storm with the audience.
Next, we moved to Beauty School Drop Out sung by Jimmy Osmond, resplendent in silver suit, fireworks in his musical instrument and bubbling with fun. If ever you want to see a consummate professional showing how to work and inspire an audience, then this part is definitely for you. The drive-in movie scene has bits of comedy that had the audience laughing, then back to the garage for further songs from the cast, Rizzo and then Sandy singing Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee.
Now the climax of the show approached and a stunning performance of You’re The One That I Want featuring THAT outfit! Brilliantly performed by all. This led on to a reprise of songs from the show and all the cast dancing, singing and taking their well-deserved applause from a thoroughly entertained audience.
In conclusion if you like some nostalgia, the two main characters are outstanding, backed by humorous dialogue, superb dancing and vocals from a very energetic and highly talented cast and band, with the memorable songs of a film which first saw the light nearly 40 years ago, then this is the night out for you. A splendid production and highly recommended.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15.50 to £44.50 (booking fees may apply).
Grease is at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 27 June to 8 July 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call the box office on 02380 711811.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811
