Grease The Musical

I had the great pleasure of watching the opening night of Grease – book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey – and from start to finish it was a toe-tapping, high-energy, feel-good trip back to the 1950s. This production was the vision of Emma Louise, who not only directed but also took on the roles of Musical Director, Choreographer, Props and Staging. That’s no small feat – and the result was a production delivered to a wonderful standard. Emma’s dedication was clear in every detail, from the slick scene changes to the polished musical numbers and vibrant choreography. The sheer amount of work and passion poured into this show should be celebrated.

The set design was clever and effective – a central platform with stairs either side crowned by the iconic Rydell High sign instantly set the scene. Movable set pieces transformed the space into bedrooms, the mechanics shop, and of course the diner, keeping the action flowing.  Dorothy Ann’s costuming was spot-on for the era – leather jackets, poodle skirts, and all the classic 50s flair – helping to fully immerse us in the Grease world.

A cast of 26 performers brought the halls of Rydell High to life. The ensemble deserves a huge shoutout – their energy was infectious, their characterisation strong, and those little background moments (the freeze frames, the mimed gossiping, the stereotypical high-school gestures) really made it feel like we were in an American high school. This was all supported by Emma Louise’s stylish choreography, which the cast delivered with flair. From big show-stopping numbers to smaller, more intimate moments, the movement was sharp, fun, and brimming with personality. While everyone gave their all, there were some standout performances that shone especially brightly: George Coole, Evie Dewhurst, and Leon Harrison – your work in the chorus was exemplary. Always in character, always present, and full of performance skill. George’s Hand Jive was a real highlight – keep up the brilliant work! Ella Pettit as Betty Rizzo faced the most stubborn of scene partners – a dodgy microphone – but handled it like a pro. Even as the sound misbehaved, Ella stayed in character, delivered her lines with confidence, and sang beautifully. A true testament to professionalism on stage. Jessica Grimshaw (Jan) and Harvey Holmes (Sonny) were an absolute joy to watch – a masterclass in characterisation and reacting in the moment. The effort you both put into creating fully rounded, engaging characters was clear in every scene. Thomas Hulme (Danny Zuko) and Lily Styles (Sandy Dombrowski) carried their leading roles well, handling both solo numbers and group performances with control and style.

The rest of the Pink Ladies – Isla Hill (Frenchy), Sienna Williams (Marty), and Ella Flanagan (Patty Simcox) – and the T-Birds – Johnnie Rae (Kenickie), Luce Grimshaw (Doody), and Sam Colwell (Roger) – all brought great energy, humour, and camaraderie, setting the tone for each scene and helping the show zip along at a great pace.

All in all, this Grease was a joy – vibrant, full of personality, and dripping with nostalgia. Well done to everyone involved – you should be proud of the magic you’ve created.

D5 Rep Assistant 

Craig Pinnington

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