Grease

I was warmly welcomed at front of house by Director Chris Bareham.

On entering the auditorium of this large theatre it was good to see a bigger audience than generally expected here.

This fast moving and well loved musical was highly energetic from the start and of course featured all those familiar and first rate musical numbers. The tensions between the boy’s gang, The Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies were well played out.

Tom Marsh, as Danny Zuko, the gang leader and womaniser, and Gabrielle Tyler as nice girl, Sandy Dumbrowski were well matched and gave a delightful rendering of “Summer Nights” which recalled their secret summer romance. The four Pink Ladies, Jasmine Clements as Frenchy, Alex Hooker as Marty, Jade Kennedy as Jan and Scarlett Wiggett as Betty Rizzo were loud and rebellious pushing the boundaries all the time. Scarlett in particular had a very spirited attitude and demonstrated a lovely powerful voice in her two solos “ Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee” and “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”. All four ladies made a major contribution to the group and company numbers.

As for the Burger Palace Boys, what a wealth of talent! Aaron Elam as Kenickie, Kieron Cogger as Roger, Shay Campbell as Eugene ( the geek), Edward Wayland as Sonny, James Hooker as Doody (complete with guitar) were all extrovert, interpreted their roles very convincingly and all had powerful voices.

Phoebe Wiggett was the rousing cheer leader, Patty Simcox and there was a great cameo role for Ashley Kemp as the phantom Teen Idol supported by Tony and Joe Meloy. There was also a cameo role for Anna Jackson as Miss Lynch, the teacher.

I enjoyed a talented Molly Choat performing as Cha-Cha Digregorio “and also Bailey Boyce as MC Johnny Casino and Ashley Kemp as the radio announcer

As well as these talented actors there was a large chorus in major set pieces including “Greased Lightning” , “We Go Together “ and “You’re The One That I Want”. The dancing was frantic at times with intricate and varied moves and extremely well choreographed, thanks to a talented team of choreographers.

Singing throughout by everyone was excellent with the strong chorus/company on stage constantly and all under the talented direction of Musical Director Nik Graham.

Sets were straightforward with one main backdrop and props moved seamlessly on and off to denote change of scene. The lighting was imaginative and served to enhance the set and sound levels were just right. Costumes were of the 1950s with most of the males in leather jackets and jeans enhanced by brightly coloured shirts worn in Act Two.

The band, led by Nik Graham on 1st keyboard was supportive and performed very well.

Many congratulations to everyone involved in this musical but especially to Director Chris Bareham for her vision and innovation in this impressive production.

The near capacity audience were enthusiastic and enjoyed this show as did I.

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