By Paul Bromley
A profusion of ‘Pink Ladies’ poured into the Congress Theatre for a stylish and colourful production of Grease – The Musical.
Some of the audience members were mature enough to remember the film first time round; others seemed too young to be familiar with the story of Danny and Sandy at Rydell High School. Either way, a packed audience of hardcore fans and hopeful families were in for a treat.
Clever use of stage scenery told the back story of Danny and Sandy’s summer romance before the story shifted to the new term at high school. It took a while for my ear to tune in to the fast-talking American dialogue but no time at all to pick up the familiar songs from the musical classic.
A live band added to the production values as the sparks flew between the leather-clad Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies – and, in the case of Kenickie’s car Greased Lightning, above, the sparks really did fly!
India Chadwick took on the role of girl-next-door Sandy in the production I saw on the opening night. Her vocals on the solo number ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ reached the far corners of the auditorium and had the audience entranced. Marley Fenton as Danny is by turns tough (while strutting for his mates) and touchingly tender towards Sandy.
The perfect dance-along finale
There’s high energy throughout and the school dance was a particular highlight. The show has been choreographed by Dame Arlene Phillips and her decades of West End and Broadway experience are in evidence.
The show ends with the riotously colourful and energetic ‘You’re The One That I Want’ before the audience gets to its feet for a singalong, sway-along, dance-along finale. It’s a perfect way to spend those ‘Summer Nights’.
The musical runs at the Congress Theatre until Saturday (August 17). Book tickets here.
Main image: Instagram / Eastbourne Theatres
:: The reviewer’s ticket was provided by Eastbourne Theatres
