GREASE

We were delighted to receive our invitation to this performance of “Grease” by the \Young Uns. We anticipated a lively and enthusiastic show and we were not disappointed. The 1950’s were brought to life with costumes, handjives, hair styles, ‘cars’ – nothing was missed in order to recreate the story of “Grease”. The enthusiasm and fun that emanated from the stage was, I am sure, noted by everyone in the audience - a full house for all performances speaks for itself.
There is a certain expectation in the show in characters, Danny, Sandy, ‘pink ladies’, cheer leaders and of course the ‘Car’. Everyone seemed to be well cast, and great to see everyone included in lots of numbers.
The back-stage team always seem to overcome the challenges of a small stage with innovative solutions to the car and scenery. Well done everyone. Seeing your back stage  facilities I thought ‘How many elephants can they fit into a mini?’ Of course ‘The Car’ was another triumph for the back-stage crew. It was assembled on stage by the T-Bird gang and the engine was flown in from above!!
Hair styles, make-up and costumes are an important part of this show and I believe the Young Uns loved the chance to wear their clothes and behave in the way of the 1950s. So much to comment on, many excellent performances, both principals and chorus. Too many to mention but here goes.
Shea Ferron was given a challenge, dipping in and out of Eugene and Vince Fontaine. The odd one out of the group, he was excellent setting the standard with his opening number. I loved his wig almost as much as he appeared to. The girls were suitably bored with the speeches. Danny (Ethan Le-Cheminant) and Sandy (Sophie Roberts) gave us a flavour of their singing and eventually a complete change in Sandy at the end – tight leather trousers and a blonde wig made the transformation. Danny took the wind-ups from his gang and came out on top. The characters in his gang were certainly individual – Doodie (James Reardon), Kenickie (Luke Reardon), Sonny (Will Heath) all had cameo parts. Roger (Aled Morris) was very confident, had a tuneful voice and gave an excellent portrayal throughout. He related well to Jan (Katie Clark) of the Pink Ladies, who was always eating and another strong character. Indeed the Pink Ladies gang Rizzo (Celyn Orton-Jones) gave another strong performance, especially her 2 solos. Frenchy (Connie Richardson) and Marty (Maia Molloy) also maintained their special characters throughout.
A lovely cameo part for Johnny Casino (Cassius Hackforth). Can I wish Cassius good luck and cheerio as he leaves to continue his future in musical theatre at Guildford School of Acting. Young Uns are also losing Georgia Jones and Zoe Nicholas who have been valuable members of the company.
As I said, so many actors on stage, all giving of their best on and off stage. Choreography for all dance numbers was innovative and all the cast performed them well. The Band, under the baton of Julian Cattley, accompanied everyone throughout the show magnificently.
Congratulations to everyone.
Jackie

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