If your chills are multiplyin’ and you’re in danger of losin’ control then head to New Theatre Oxford this week (24-28 September) to see the revival of the popular stage musical, Grease.
This version has been seen by over 500,000 people in the West End, making it one of the Dominion Theatre’s most successful summer runs. It received four WhatsOnStage Award nominations for Best Musical Revival and Best Choreography for Arlene Phillips, and it has to be noted that the routines are superb.
With all of the songs you know and love (plus some extras), the stage is magnificently set at Rydell High for a nostalgic teen-fest – that said, the packed house last night demonstrated the show’s obvious cross-generational appeal.
Adapting such a familiar story is a bold move and an enthusiastic cast led us through a retelling of boy meets girl, loses girl and wins her back. Marley Fenton took on the swagger of Danny, with Hope Dawe making her debut as a sweet but determined Sandy. Joined by the Pink Ladies and the Burger Palace Boys (the stage version’s equivalent of the T-Birds), the school year at Rydell was overseen by head-teacher Miss Lynch (Dominique Planter) and of course, a hip-thrustingly enthusiastic Vince Fontaine played by Joe Gash, whose other work includes Rock of Ages and a turn as Freddie Mercury on Starstruck.
It's hard to resist singing along but be patient. As the show comes to its close, there is a chance to get up and join in the fun as the cast perform a medley, climaxing with that iconic rising falsetto at the end of Summer Nights (you know, it’s the one we all want!).
For tickets, visit atgtickets.com
