Grease

Welcome back Dereham Youth! After a 6-year gap, it was fantastic to see the youth section of Dereham Theatre Company back performing live, and what a return it was. With a large cast of 29 varying in age between 8 and 18, supported by a fine sounding 8-piece live band, this was an energetic and uplifting production, filled with some superb choreography (Danielle Standing). With two making their directorial debuts at Dereham, Ophelie Ribery as Director, and MD Alex Rimell, Dereham Youth is looking in fantastic shape.

The set of Rydell High had been cleverly constructed with the effect of a school gymnasium scenic projection to the rear, with a large set of double doors blending perfectly. These swung upon and a full-size Greased Lightnin’ car was wheeled out onto the stage, amazing, the stage was free for the large numbers and occasional props, such as school canteen dining table, and of course, the car, to assist the scene changes. The apron of the stage had also been colourfully decorated with Rydell High insignia in red and white.

There are rarely performances of Grease these days that do not include the extra classic numbers from the 1978 movie, and the show opened with Sandy and Danny bidding their farewells and then the whole company launching into “Grease”, and a powerful start to the show. The supporting company were fantastic throughout, full of energy through this number, “We Go Together”, “Shakin’ at The High School Hop” and “Born to Hand Jive”. A special mention to the “Junior Ensemble”, Alice Robson, Darcy Brown, Eva Lewis and Seren Knights, keeping up and matching the more senior members every step of the way.

Keira Neave showed that she is a very versatile actress, Fairy in the panto, this time playing Miss Lynch with gravitas to try and keep the troublesome Burger Palace Boys in order. Zachary Gibbs, as Eugene Florczyk, and Marcia Scott, as Patty Simcox, were both excellent. Marcia brought out the other side of Patty’s character, the school swot, to a tee, by flirting with Danny in the presence of Sandy, her supposed new friend.

Jan (Emma Dyer) and Roger (George Le-Cornu), have most of the best gags in Grease, and this pairing were great, lighting up the stage every time they came on. “Mooning” is a tough song with the high notes and George and Emma sang it well. Both were newcomers to the DOSYTCo company, plus Morgan Allen as Sonny and Evie Marfleet as Marty. Bradley Holmes as Doody, shy to approach Frenchy, and Jess Olley playing the latter were also very well cast. This was Jess’s final show with DOSYTCo, as she has graduated with honours in the role of Frenchy, and I look forward to seeing her in future Dereham Theatre Company productions.

Wilfred Skarin-Wooding looked the part of Danny Zuko and balanced the lover boy against the tough guy persona very well, as did Callum Hammond as Kenickie.

Miami Standing was outstanding as Betty Rizzo, her reactions when confronted with the possibility of expecting a child were brilliant and leading into “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” had some audience members in tears.

Another graduate with honours of DOSYTCo, departing after 11 years with them, was Rebecca Ludman as Sandy. I last saw Rebecca as the mirror in the panto, and what a part to depart with as leading lady. It was lovely to hear both “It’s Raining on Prom Night”, and “Hopelessly Devoted to You” in Grease, as one or the other is often dropped. Rebecca delivered lovely vocals on both songs, and she was fantastic with her brush off of Danny whenever his tough guy persona was talking to her.

My congratulations to Director Ophelie and MD Alex, it was a very enjoyable evening, and it was nice to catch up with everyone afterwards,

 

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