To produce a stage show version of any iconic film, and then to achieve levels of success that come close to the original, is always a tall order.
Grease has enjoyed a well-deserved place in the memories of so many people over the decades, so to reproduce that success on the stage would always be a very high bar to reach.
I was hoping to see a show that was as true to the original 1978 film as a stage production would allow, but it seems that the writers tried to mend something that wasn’t broken.
Despite my early trepidation, the very talented cast certainly made the best of a reimagined script and slightly truncated story line.
The songs that were taken from the film did give that nostalgic feel which much of the audience would have been hoping for, but the collection of songs that were written specifically for the show felt rather formulaic and added little to the story.
The original songs were clearly the ones that bought the most cheers from the audience, and with good reason.
Marley Fenton as Danny, and Hope Dawe as Sandy gave stirring renditions of the songs from the film. The latter’s performance of “Hopelessly Devoted To You” was particularly memorable.
The stage direction and some of the dance choreographies were impressive, and the multi-talented cast made swift and subtle changes to the basic stage props, while the audience were distracted by the entertaining DJ at the rear of the stage, and clever use of the stage spotlights. From the school gym to the drive-in, the cast made it believable.
It’s understandable that the writers would want to add their own stamp to this iconic story, however, those who are old enough to remember the original would’ve had hopes of a nostalgic trip.
While some of that was evident, it wasn’t the singalong celebration that it might have been.
The cast are obviously very talented, and the costumes and set direction are impressive.
The choreography in some of the scenes is also impressive and very well executed, but there are some points where it seems a little disorganised.
If you are a fan of the film, Grease the Musical will certainly bring back some of the joy from the film, but perhaps not all of it.
Grease the Musical is on at the Mayflower until November 2, tickets start from £29.50. Go to mayflower.org.uk/
Review by Peter Nicholson
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