Ancient Grease at The Vaults Review
Photo: Flavia Fraser-Cannon
Written by Eleanor for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are my own
An absolutely joyful show full of laughter, queer joy and plenty of smut. The perfect way to spend a Thursday evening!
Ancient Grease is a playful take on Grease the Musical, written by Lady Aria Grey and directed by Dan Wye. This parody delivers belly laughs, just the right amount of audience participation and a touch of ancient history. Telling the age-old, quite literally, story of Zeus (Peter Camilleri) and Hera (Philippa Leadbetter), we are transported back to Ancient Greece and to Olympus Academy as the students return after their summer break.
We are introduced to Hephaestus (Ollie Thomas Smith) and Ares (Christopher Patten-Walker), Zeus’s fellow Alphas, alongside Athena (Safia Bartley) and Aphrodite (Lucy Penrose), the Omegas. The show follows a familiar story of two star-crossed lovers unexpectedly reconnecting at school, though not too familiar for legal reasons, with the added twist of The Fates guiding events behind the scenes. Lachesis (Christopher Patten-Walker), Atropos (Grace Kelly Miller) and Clotho (Lara Beth Sas) control the characters’ destinies by writing in their book of fate.
While the structure may feel recognisable at times, this version takes things in a very different direction. Expecting a wholesome school dance? Not here. At Olympus Academy, things escalate into a school orgy instead. The show is very much an 18+ production, but if you have a good sense of humour and are up for a cheeky evening of theatre, there is a lot to enjoy.
The stage runs as a long central runway between two banks of seating, meaning the audience sits on either side of the action. It gives everyone a great view of the show and creates a lively, immersive atmosphere. The costumes, designed by Caitlin Mawhinney lean fully into the theme, with togas everywhere, and fit the parody perfectly. The cast make excellent use of the space, moving confidently along the runway and filling the relatively small room with energy.
The Vaults is a fantastic venue for this kind of performance. It is intimate enough that you feel close to the action even from the back row, and the layout means there truly is not a bad seat in the house. It is also conveniently close to Waterloo station, which is ideal if you are travelling in for the show.
The cast are fantastic throughout, particularly Christopher Patten-Walker, Ollie Thomas Smith and Safia Bartley, who each take on multiple characters. Their quick costume changes are impressively slick and make it clear exactly who they are portraying in each moment.
Full of twists, unexpected jokes and plenty of chaos, it is the kind of show you cannot take your eyes off. The performance runs for around two hours including a twenty-minute interval, with a well-stocked bar at the end of the stage serving themed cocktails, Greek wine and the usual selection of beers, spirits and soft drinks.
If you are looking for a very fun evening of theatre, this show is a great choice. The jokes land easily, the cast bring fantastic energy and it makes for a thoroughly entertaining night out.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
