REVIEW - If you're looking to see a fantastic show, Grease is definitely the one that you want!

On Wednesday, we were hopelessly devoted to watching The Grease at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. See what our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston thought about the brilliant production...

Grease is the word, it’s a word you’ve most definitely heard. The iconic, beloved musical is back at the Palace Theatre and it’s as electrifying as ever. The classic musical theatre staple has brought its toe tapping hits and teen energy back to Manchester and theatre goers are flocking to see it. I have to say, it’s one of my all time favourite films and musical theatre scores, so I was certainly one of the Grease fans itching for the show to start. 

This fresh new take on the show follows the trials, tribulations and swoon-worthy romance of high school students Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski. Complete with greased hair, leather jackets and petticoats, Grease transports you to Rydell High in the late 1950s where the Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys (known as T-Birds in the film) take on love, friendship and high school drama. 

The theatre was buzzing, as expected with a hit show, as the audience arrived with high expectations and an eagerness to relax and enjoy the retro charm of the production. We spotted many Pink Ladies taking their seats and quite a few audience members dug out their leather jackets for the occasion too. As soon as ‘Grease (Is the Word)’ hit, the teen angst and rock ‘n’ roll took over and the irresistible energy kept the audience entranced for the entire show.

Grease has to be one of the most recognisable scores, from ‘Summer Nights’ to ‘You’re The One That I Want’, these songs have been sung at karaoke, danced to at parties and simply enjoyed on a TV screen. There’s something nostalgic about the songs and you can’t help but smile and embrace the infectious fun of them. What’s impressive is the stamina of the cast, as the full choreography along with the upbeat songs required next level energy, which the cast performed effortlessly. 

Danny Zuko, played by Marley Fenton (The Wizard of Oz, Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends), and Sandy Dumbrowski, played by Hope Dawe (9 to 5, Mean Girls, On The Town), have great, youthful chemistry that keeps them coming back together throughout their ups and downs. The duo are everything you’d want from a Sandy and Danny pair, with Danny acting cool in front of his friends and ultimately causing riffs with girl-next-door Sandy as she tries to make new friends at the school. Dawe’s Sandy has a bit more grit and determination than the movie version, though lovestruck as ever, and the pair delivered their iconic duets with ease.

The whole cast carried the show as it needed the energy and banter to pull off the expectations of all the Grease fans - and they delivered. There were several dance numbers throughout, including ‘Greased Lightning’ and ‘Hand Jive’, that gave the entire cast a chance to shine and show off their skills and it was so much fun to watch.

This vibe and over-the-top American humour was particularly brought to the stage by Joe Gash (Grease, Rock Of Ages, We Will Rock You) as Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel. His dynamic moves and caricature portrayal of these roles had the audience chuckling every time. 

Another standout performer was Rebecca Stenhouse (Legally Blonde, The Adventures of Peter Pan, Flashdance) as Betty Rizzo. Stenhouse gave the character more depth and grit than what is shown in the movie, similarly to Sandy. Her performance of ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ was stunning and quite moving, it allowed the audience to see a more vulnerable side to Rizzo than her strong, pack leader attitude she’s constantly trying to show. 

The set is everything you’d expect from an American high school, with bleachers down the sides that are moved to switch scenes, lockers and neon signs that could be easily turned into a retro diner. It was colourful and vibrant, though it was dimmed down whenever a scene needed a more tense atmosphere. The costumes reflect the vibrant nature of the much-loved film and could have been picked straight from the 50s - we’re talking high waisted capris, tight jeans and bright swing skirts. Not forgetting the iconic leather jackets and pink jackets donned by the friends. 

In true Grease style, the comedy is sharp and vibrant, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments from the very lovable cast, and it definitely still has the same cheeky charm that made the original film such a hit. Neverming transporting you to the 50s, the show will give you one last glimpse of summer fun as the weather turns colder. 

Above all, the show is pure feel-good entertainment. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll be singing along to every number and grinning from ear to ear by the finale. So, grab your leather (or pink) jackets, slick back your hair, and get ready to hand jive your way out of the theatre.

WE SCORE GREASE..

Grease is on at the Palace Theatre, Manchester until Sat 19th October 2024.



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