Grease

We’re hopelessly devoted to Grease at The Granville theatre this week and what a production by Regency Productions.  Being a child of the 50s (ish) I have grown up with Grease, saw the original in the West End in the 70s and many community ones over the years - the last one in the West End.  Needless to say, this ‘Grease’ has topped my list………IT WAS OUTSTANDING, superbly directed in all ways by its directors Zahra and Parisa, choreographer Courtney and Stage/Lights/Set by Charlie George.  We all know the plot, so I won’t bore you with that….

Let’s begin with sweethearts Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski, played by Jed Silk and Georgia Zacharia-Elliot. Their portrayal of Danny and Sandy’s love story is vividly brought to life on stage, thanks to their brilliant on-stage chemistry and partnership performances., Perfect casting both in vocals, dance and delivery of the script.  Laura Dryden, playing Betty Rizzo, was simply sensational. Her wit and comedy had the audience in fits of laughter, while her vocals left everyone stunned. Playing her romantic sidekick Kenickie, Liam Ferrier deserves a mention. His equally had impressive vocals and seamless acting in the role had the audience hooked.  Mary Peskett took on the sweet and friendly role of Frenchy with perfection.   Molly Mallon (Marty), Bradley Bisset(Sonny), Ashton Sharp(Roger), Charlie George(Doody), and Parisa Tarjomani (Jan) Zahra Tarjomani (Patty Simcox)Brendan Roberts (Eugene) and Natasha Woolford (Cha Cha) formed the perfect gang to take on the iconic roles of the Pink Ladies and T Birds, bringing a delightful energy and cohesion to the stage.  Drayson Goldfinch playing Vince Fontaine has the audience captivated from the moment the lights go down. brilliantly funny.  Kayleigh Stevens, gave us a superb characterisation  as Miss Lynch.   Teen Angel (Shannon Taiwo) towered above all and was in superb voice.

The orchestra under the direction of Musical Director Phil Hornsey gave us a phenomenal sound, so much so I was thinking it was a backing track - how wrong I was…  Along with Phil’s band members Chris Hall, Carl Emery, Nath Skelton, Matt Mann, Seán Hammond, and Helen Wimble. his direction of the cast and musical input to this Grease added a very professional sound.  Well !!, the best sound I have heard for a long time, in community theatre. Thank you, Phil.

The entire cast, along with the dancers, singers, costume designers, (Delia Lagden and Megan Clague) set designers,  in fact everyone involved in this production, are a credit to Regent Productions This performance was a tribute to Grease -  a very professional approach indeed. In this revived version.   It is much tighter than the original, I played Johnny Casino and Johnny is cut and this song given to Vince Fontaine.

Thank you Regent Productions for inviting my guest and me to witness your ‘Grease’ - it’s now at the top of my list…you all have exceptional talent and I cannot wait to see what you do to Sweeney Todd.

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