This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour was invited to see Grease by The Alexandra.
By Julie Wallis twitter.com/NiceNic63
Review: Grease at The Alexandra
Directed by Nikolai Foster, Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Grease will always, always have a very special place in my heart. Not least because it was the film I went to see at the local cinema when I was fourteen or fifteen. It was the first time I had been allowed to travel to the next town to see a movie. I lived in a very rural location with no cinema and three of us went to Retford cinema. We left feeling like Pink Ladies.
Anyway, back to the current production which is currently showing at The Alexandra. I think everyone knows the girl meets boy story of Danny and Sandy. They spend a summer together and say goodbye never expecting to see each other again, then circumstances bring them together at the same school, Rydell High. After a bumpy start, they eventually fall in love all over again. Ahh, young love is such a wonderful thing.
Packed full of some terrific tunes your heart will melt as Sandy (Georgia Louise) blasts out Hopelessly Devoted To You, Danny (Dan Partridge) gives a wonderful rendition of Sandy and I loved Beauty School Dropout sung by Mr Teen Angel himself, Peter Andre who got a rapturous reception. The casting is spot on, my favourite characters in the film are Frenchy and Marianna Neofitou totally did her character justice and Rizzo, again Tendai Rinomhota didn’t let me down.
Grease is the ultimate feel-good show. The songs are upbeat and the audience was encouraged to sing along for the final medley but throughout I could hear people singing. Add choreography by Arlene Philips, this has the feeling of a much bigger show. It helps that this is a huge cast and unlike the movie, the cast are all young and fresh-faced. Maybe not quite high school students but certainly believable in their roles.
The sets change effortlessly as we move from school interior to ballroom, to the car Greased Lightning and the bleachers. It’s very easy to lose yourself in this. The car looks wonderful, although I was expecting it to transform into a shining chrome enhanced car, Greased Lightning stays a shabby car throughout but that takes absolutely nothing away from this wonderful rendition of a classic stage show.
One thing worth noting is that the songs on stage don’t run in the same order as the film, but again this makes no difference. With lots of children there last night it’s clear this is a firm family favourite for all ages.
I can honestly say I have never seen a quicker, louder or more enthusiastic standing ovation than last night. I often leave the theatre feeling very upbeat but last night I felt truly on top of the world. It’s astonishing the power of music.
Grease is at The Alexandra until 6th November. This UK tour continues until 4th December 2021 see details here: greasethemusicalontour.com/tour-tickets
