Grease

~~When the amateur rights of this show were released you already knew the story as the original production is the 12th-longest-running show in Broadway history and became an iconic teen film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.  It centres on a 1950-ish culture clash between sweet Sandy and bad boy Danny, who meet over summer vacation but struggle to continue their romance once school starts.
The central characters Jenny Edwards as Sandy and James Bradbury as Danny were ideal.  Their love story in the stage version is not as strong as it is in the film but it is the thread which gives the show its impetus and both handled their roles extremely well.
The ‘boys’ – namely Dario Recchia as Doody, Alex Hillman as Roger and Tom Wood as Sonny, all turned in lively and believable performances, joined by Kenickie played by Chris Murray.
The Pink Ladies were a very feisty and contrasting crowd - Frenchy played by Amanda Gardener, Marty by Olivia Collins and Jan by Kayleigh Pendry – all gave us really good interpretations which I loved.
Charlene Hammer was the irrepressible Rizzo – turning in a fine and feisty performance, with an edgy feel to her portrayal
There were some talented performers in this cast: a great deal of hard work had been put in and it paid off.  In fact those in ‘named roles’ were all very good.  However, I wish there was a way to impress on actors the need to slow down the speed in which dialogue is delivered.  No matter how hard you work or how excellent your performance it is all for nothing if we can’t always understand what is said.
This show was extremely well directed by Jack Edwards with excellent and imaginative use made of the stage. He was well supported by Robert Douglas, Musical Director, with his superb small orchestral ensemble and Jacqueline Willis the show choreographer.  Overall this was another good production from this society. Thank you!

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