Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson joins cast of immersive Grease musical

Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson has joined the cast for the return of Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical.

Based on the 1978 film Grease, the Secret Cinema production (which follows a sold-out run in 2025) features a cast of 30 performers and a live band. Songs from the film, including “Summer Nights”, “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together”, are performed alongside multiple screens showing the original movie.

The experience places audiences within the setting of Rydell High, where they can move through locations including Frosty Palace, the autoshop and a carnival. Elements of the event include participation in scenes such as a pep rally, choir rehearsal and other moments inspired by the film, alongside food and drink themed around a 1950s American diner.

Wilson, who will take on the role of Teen Angel, joins the previously announced cast members Stephanie Costi and Lucy Penrose, reprising their roles as Sandy and Rizzo respectively, alongside Giórgios Michaelídes as Danny and Archangelo Ciulla as Kenickie. Complete casting will be announced in due course.

Wilson commented: “At school, I was in Grease and I feel I have to redeem myself. I was not yet the international pop sensation I am today, and I only really wanted to do it cos I fancied the girl who played Frenchie (I was Doody), so this is my chance to show everyone I should have gotten a bigger part. I don’t believe anyone from that production is now a professional singer, so in short, I win.”

We chatted to Wilson this week about dipping his toes into the world of musical theatre and you can watch the highlights below:

The creative team includes director Matt Costain, with choreography by Jennifer Weber, set design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson and sound design by Gareth Fry. Music supervision, orchestration and arrangements are by Steve Sidwell, with video design by Ian William Galloway. Costume design is by Susan Kulkarni and Martina Trottman, with wigs, hair and make-up by Farida Ghedwar and Jessie Deol, and casting by Grace McInerny for Pippa Aillion and Natalie Gallacher Casting.

The 2026 run will include roam and return seating options, allowing audiences to move through the environment before returning to allocated seating areas, including the Frosty Diner and the Drive-In.

The production is produced by Secret Cinema and TodayTix, with Merritt Baer as artistic director and co-founder and Ben Hosford as executive producer.

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, which picked up a glowing review from WhatsOnStage last year, will run at Evolution London from 22 July to 13 September.