Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical at Battersea Park Review
Written by Liam Arnold for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets from London Box Office in exchange for an honest review
Forget the cinema, forget the theatre—step into Battersea Park this summer and you’re instantly enrolled at Rydell High. The buzz of a vintage carnival—the whirl of chair swings, the enticing clatter of carnival games, the iridescent glow of a Shake Shack—is your welcome to Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical. This glorious, high-concept celebration of the beloved film is a hybrid experience that blends a screening with live performance to create one of London’s most joyously communal nights out.
From the moment you arrive, the attention to detail is breathtaking. Tom Rogers’ meticulous set design is a love letter to the 1950s, featuring a real Frosty Palace diner serving ice cream sundaes, an auto-shop showcasing the iconic Greased Lightnin’ car, and a sprawling gymnasium that forms the heart of the action. The energy is infectious, powered by a fabulous live band and a 30-strong cast whose commitment is unwavering. Stephanie Costi brings a soaring, sweet vulnerability to Sandy, while Lucy Penrose’s Rizzo is charismatically cool (shout out to her show-stopping rendition of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”). The real standout, however, is Waylon Jacobs as the all-purpose MC, a whirlwind of charm who effortlessly shepherds the audience from conga lines to dance contests, ensuring the party never stops.
The unique format—where the original film plays on screens while actors perform live—creates an initial, delightful sense of wonder. It’s a thrill to see a number begin on screen and then have your eye drawn to the live performers bursting into song just feet away. This ambitious fusion is a bold concept that mostly succeeds. To elevate the experience from great to flawless, a slight fine-tuning of the audio balance would ensure the talented cast's dialogue isn't occasionally overshadowed by the powerful band, and more intuitive lighting cues could better guide the audience's focus to the live action, ensuring no one misses a moment of the magic.
But these are mere quibbles in what is ultimately a triumph of atmosphere and intention. This isn’t a passive night at the theatre; it’s an invitation to play a part in the world of Grease. Dressing up is half the fun—the sea of pink satin jackets and leather gloves is a sight to behold—and the chance to ride the swings, try your luck at a carnival game, or sing along to Summer Nights at the top of your lungs without judgment is an utter delight. The finale, which seamlessly integrates the outdoor carnival, is pure, unadulterated magic.
If you’re a purist seeking a quiet, seated drama, this isn’t for you. But if you’re yearning for a night of unforgettable, feel-good fun where you become part of the show, then grab your friends, perfect your ponytail, and head to Battersea. Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is the spectacular, singalong summer event we’ve been waiting for.
Secret Cinema’s Battersea Park extravaganza is a dazzling, high-energy trip back to Rydell High.
Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical plays until 07 September.
★★★
