Grease (tour)

NOTE: The following TWO-STAR review dates from December 2003 and an earlier tour stop for this production. For current cast and venu information, please see performance listings.

This latest tour of Grease feels suspiciously like a show that’s been downgraded to meet the somewhat limited talents of star names that may get bums on seat but fail to deliver once they’re there.

Most people know the story of Grease, either through the long-running stage production or, more likely, from the seminal 1978 film which starred an electric John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

Here we have Jonathan Wilkes and Hayley Evetts as sweethearts Danny and Sandy, hiding their love from the rest of Rydell High
School, and most particularly the constantly preening and ever-amusing T-Birds and The Pink Ladies, who ‘rule the school’.

On stage, the role of Sandy is smaller than fans of the film may remember, with Evetts absent during many of the ensemble pieces. When she’s present, she gives a
strong performance vocally but lacks any real emotion. She might as well have been lifted from an episode of Pop Idol where Grease songs are the theme. As for Wilkes, he does Danny as if he’s in Carry On, Grease. While many in the audience seem to love his ‘act’, it’s very ‘end of the pier’.

Sure, we still have all those classic songs as compensation but, though they’re sung well, they lack any narrative oomph due to the lack of chemistry between the leads. Even Mary Doherty‘s Rizzo disappoints, missing the sassiness and
sarcasm
that make the Pink Lady leader an icon.

The ensemble outshine the principals. Graham
Tudor
is
charming as Doody as is Sarah Lowries as Frenchy – they spark
off
each
other beautifully. And Jason Capewell is wonderful as Vince Fontaine/Teen Angel. He
really
injects some life into the rather flaccid proceedings.

Terry Parson‘s set is noticeably wobbly, and at times, the scene changes
are
so
slow the audience could be forgiven for wishfully thinking the
interval
has come early.

Grease is supposed to be cheesy, thin on plot and cast
with performers who look far older than high school teenagers. But what this
production lacks is the heart that keeps everything
ticking. Ultimately, it’s
lazy, karaoke-style entertainment – and almost instantly forgotten. Too bad.

– Glenn Meads

NOTE: The following FOUR-STAR review dates from April 2001 and an earlier tour of this production.

It’s hard to believe that Grease was first staged in Chicago just over 30 years ago. Set in the late 1950s, the story concerns a group of Rydell High School students who struggle to cope with the demands of personal relationships and the other problems life throws at them. Not exactly original then, but fun nonetheless, and performed here with energy and colour by a vibrant cast.

With a pre-curtain-up medley of classic hits from the era, the air of excitement builds in the theatre. Then the house lights dim, a neon Grease symbol pulsates brightly on the stage, the audience cheers, the orchestra strikes up the overture and
we’re off. There’s immediate rapport between the audience and the musicians
under the baton of Stephen Owens.

The acting gets off to a shakier start thanks to dialogue delivered in a style that wouldn’t be out of place in a pantomime. But then again, this isn’t meant to be Ibsen so it’s perfectly acceptable. And who can fret over the dialogue once the songs we know and love start blasting out one after another. You remember them, don’t you? “Greased Lightnin'”, “Summer Nights”, “Sandra Dee” – they’re all here and sung with panache. While the two principals Danny, played by former London’s Burning star Steven Houghton, and Sandy (Irene Warren) put in excellent performances, credit must go to the whole company. Everyone gives 100% energy and commitment.

Particularly outstanding is Rachel Hale as the brazen leader of The Pink
Ladies, Rizzo. An excellent duet, “Mooning”, also makes Peter
Jamieson and Louise Dearman stick in the memory. The cast work tirelessly throughout, hardly pausing for breath as they sing and dance at breakneck speed towards the grand finale of “You’re the One that I Want”. With verve like this, it’s small wonder that the entire audience, from children through to pensioners alike, leave with smiles on their faces.

Grease is choreographed by the talented Arlene Phillips, who has worked
on many West End shows, and she brings a touch of class to this production as
does the experienced director David Gilmore.

If you’re looking for deep mental stimulation, then this romp of a musical is not for you. On the other hand, if it’s a fun night out you crave, get out
the Brylcreem and go! Enjoy!

Magi Sloan

To read a review of this musical during its previous West End run, click here.