Grease

Grease was certainly the word in Sheffield on Friday evening, as Easy Street Theatre Company, presented the well known and well loved Musical at the Montgomery Theatre. As I was reading the programme before the show started, I suddenly felt old, as having been in Grease 3 times myself, I realised that when I played Danny Zuko 21 years ago, not one member of this cast was born!

The show had great energy, fab costumes and some great lighting. Congratulations to Nick Clayton, lighting designer. The female principals were split in to two teams, Team Travolta and Team Newton John. On the night that I attended I had the pleasure of watching Team Newton John. Gracie Woods as the feisty Rizzo, was excellent. Gracie has excellent stage presence and just enough attitude in every scene, I must also add that Gracie’s rendition of There Are Worse Things I Could Do, was wonderful. As Sandy, Daisy Peacock, displayed all the innocence and class that we come to expect of this well loved heroine, and gave us, the audience full sass when she transforms at the end of the show. Kadie Akers was in fine voice as Marty, Freddie My Love was the highlight of the night for me. This is the first time I have seen Kadie perform and I’m looking forward to seeing this talented performer in the future. They were well supported by Alice Daley as Jan and Nell Tagg as Frenchy. 

Jago Arguile was every inch the Kenicke we picture in our minds. Great Quiff, excellent acting and displayed fine vocals. Ollie Spittlehouse took on the lead role of Danny Zuko , and my word, he must have studied John Travolta. Every move he did was so well thought out that it could have been John Travolta himself. When a role is so well  known, it’s difficult to make the role your own as well as keep to the interpretation that the audience want. Ollie delivered on this and more. The two main Burger Boys were backed up by Jamie Wray as Doody, Rory Newton, an hysterical portrayal of Roger and Joe Rugen as Sonny. 

Harry Foster Major, was perfect as the Teen Angel, he looked and sounded amazing and I’m sure most of the ladies in the cast were swooning during his number. Grace Busfield, Patty Simcox, was absolutely delightful as the cheerleader we all love to hate. Her comic timing was excellent, and in a few years time I would love to see Grace take on some iconic comedy roles, such as Paulette in Legally Blonde. The ensemble are also to be applauded in this production producing  great singing and some high energy dancing.

The set was simple and effective and moved around the stage well. Congratulations to the Sallianne, Gareth and Amanda on a slick and modern interpretation.

Here’s hoping Grease continues to be the word for years to come. 

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