Review: Grease the Musical, Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre, Wednesday, March 7

by Lauren Hood

If you're looking for a fun night out, with singing, dancing and a huge dolop of hair gel...then Grease is the word.

The classic story of Danny and Sandy's love affair from the 1950's was of course made famous by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, but this production proves why the musical was a hit on stage long before the 1978 film.

Carina Gillespie perfectly portrays good girl Sandra D, yet also pulls off a very convincing sexy Sandy for the You're the One that I Want number.

Danny Bayne, who won TV show Grease is the Word, is clearly a very experienced Danny Zuko who looks like he was born to play the role. If anything he maybe channels John Travolta a little too convincingly and it would be nice to see him give a bit more of his own interpretation of the Rydell stud.

But for me it's the T-birds who really make the show. Kenickie's Greased Lightning performance will make you want to get up dancing while Rump's rendition of Mooning will you have doubled over with laughter.

Kate Somerset How plays a convincing mean and moody Rizzo, while the other Pink Ladies add a more fun and ditzy side to the girl gang.

Yes it does handle more adult themes such as drinking and teenage pregnancy but these really act as a bridge to get to the next musical number.

The dancing and choreography are first class, while you cannot help but sing along to such classics as Summer Nights and We Go Together.

The big surprise of the night was the guest star, skating legend and Dancing on Ice judge Robin Cousins, who proves he's not just talented on the ice. He fits in perfectly to the role of Teen Angel, adding charm as well as an impressive singing voice.

Overall this is an entertaining production, with great music and a talented cast that will leave you Hopelessly Devoted to Grease.

Grease the Musical runs at Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre until Saturday, March 17. The show is then at Tunbridge Wells' Assembly Hall Theatre from Monday, March 19, to Saturday, March 24. The show returns to the county from Monday, August 27, to Saturday, September 1, at Dartford's Orchard Theatre.