GREASE THE MUSICAL | GRAND THEATRE, BLACKPOOL
★ ★ ★ ★
‘… full of heart, soul and rock ‘n’ roll…’
Sandy and Danny are back in this exciting new co-production of the blockbuster musical Grease, from Grand Theatre, Blackpool, and Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Step into the electrifying world of 1950s Rydell High School and follow the whirlwind romance of new girl Sandy Dumbrowski and cool kid Danny Zuko, as they quickly find their summer love challenged by peer pressure and self-discovery.
With book music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, it’s a story that’s been packing theatres for more than 50 years now and one that has made household names of it’s characters; as well as Sandy and Danny, there’s Kenickie, Doodie, Frenchy, Rizzo along with the rest of the Pink Ladies and Burger Boys. Everyone has their favourite.
In this production, which is fizzing with energy and full of fun, Blythe Jandoo leads the company, as Sandy, playing opposite Alexander Service, as Danny. They make a likeable couple, capturing the angst and insecurities of being a teenager in love.
Jandoo is a feisty and fearless Sandy, expect perhaps when faced with having an ear pierced by April Nerissa Hudson’s ditzy Frenchy. She also and has a great voice – her rendition of Hopelessly Devoted To You is spell-binding. And if Service understates the bluff cockiness of his character, he plays up Danny’s sensitivity, never more so than in his well received delivery of Stranded At The Drive-In.
They’re well matched by Pink Ladies Leah Jamieson, who gives a show-stealing turn as ‘foodie’ Jan, and Fiona Wood, a nicely layered Rizzo. Her moving rendition of There Are Worse Things I Could Do tugs at the heartstrings and is rewarded with rapturous applause. Of the Burger Palace Boys (better known as the T-Birds in the movie version) David Rankine is an engaging Doody. Elsewhere Keith Macpherson relishes every second as the groovy but just a little disturbing Vince Fontaine. Caitlin Forbes is suitably manic as the attention seeking Patty Simcox.
If individually, cast members demonstrate strong vocals throughout, nailing the signature moments of the show’s well-loved score, it’s in the ensemble numbers that the 17-strong company really shine. Collectively they are indeed electrifying, from the toe-tapping opening title number – Grease really is the word and sets the bar for what is to come – to the finale and You’re The One That I Want, which has the audience on their feet, clapping along.
All are musically gifted performers, and while this is an actor/musician production the addition of instruments is never allowed to hamper the action – in fact, on this occasion, they add to it.
Nick Trueman’s simple staging – two sets of bleachers, some school lockers that transform into the Burger Place Diner, and the most uproarious Greased Lightnin’ to ever make it on stage – leaves plenty of space for the bigger routines and it’s that space that lighting designer Rory Beaton takes full advantage of to work his magic during the hand jive dance-off, proving once again that you can’t beat a well lit mirrorball to bring the onstage action into the auditorium with dazzling effect.
Kally Lloyd-Jones choreography ensures the pace is snappy throughout, never more so than in the Act 1 finale, a truly joyous We Go Together, while director Sam Hardie displays a keen eye for physical comedy, a sharp sense of irony, and isn’t afraid to introduce a moment or two of bonkers brilliance – Beauty School Drop Out is glorious fun.
In an age where so many big touring productions are super-slick while lacking any real substance, it is refreshing to be presented with a familiar favourite that is so full of heart, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. Not only is this Grease the one you want… it’s the one you need.
Feel good heaven, it’ll put a smile on your face from start to finish.
Runs at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre until 14 June. Tickets here.
Transfers to Pitlochry Festival Theatre, 18 June-27 September. Ticket here.
