This iconic show hits Liverpool Empire Theatre this week, and with forty years of history behind it, it brings with it as much attitude as your average teenage classroom.
It is a familiar story, and one that has been on our screens since the late seventies. Boy meets girl and they fall in love, but with teenagers come hormones and falling in love is never easy.
Set in Rydell High School in 1955, Sandy is the new girl, whose most recent summer romance just happens to be a student at Rydell. Danny is slick, charming and cool, something that poor Sandy is not. Unlike her new friends, The Pink Ladies, Sandy has never really done anything. They begin to teach her how to fit into Rydell and eventually wins the heart of Danny.
Local boy Ray Quinn plays a very charming Danny. He oozes confidence and was certainly a hit with the audience. He bought style and humour to the role and is a natural performer, bringing his own personality into the character. His dancing was spot on and very enjoyable to watch as he injected so much energy into the role.
The stunning Carina Gillespie played Sandy. Her character was full of emotion, especially during her ballads. ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ bought tingles down my spine and her transformation at the end of the show bought a different edge to the character, which she played really well. Together, Quinn and Gillespie filled the stage with attitude and put as much into their performances.
Grease, is of course not complete without the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies. Doody, Roger, Sonny and Kenickie, brought humour and some extraordinary harmonies in the ensemble songs. Whereas Frenchy, Jan, Marty and Rizzo bought the emotion and drive with their individual stories. Throw in a car – Greased Lighting- and you have some of the most famous songs to be sung at a karaoke.
There are some stunning dance scenes in this show. Choreographer, Arlene Phillips has done a fine job with this cast, but with such a group of strong, talented people it wouldn’t have been difficult. The opening scene of the second act shows off the amazing talents of Sophie Zucchini who plays Cha Cha. Her character as well as her dancing was fiery, sexy and incredible to watch.
A mention also has to go to Rhydian Roberts who played a most charismatic Teen Angel. He is only on for one scene but manages to raise the roof with his unique voice. He had a natural way with the audience and seemed to enjoy the performance as much as they did.
This coming of age story appeals to all generations, which is probably why it is still as popular today as it was back in the swinging seventies. The songs and characters are all so familiar that you really can’t help tapping your foot along with the music, or even joining in on ‘Summer Nights.’ This is a very good production and is guaranteed to leave you with a smile.
8/10
Grease runs at the Liverpool Empire Theatre until Saturday 19th November. Contact box office on 0844 499 6677.
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