Grease The Musical, UK Tour (2024) Review
Written by Kathryn for Theatre and Tonic.
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.
We’re all ready for those ‘Summer Nights’ so what better way to get the season started than a trip to the Edinburgh Playhouse for the UK tour of Grease.
This production, reviewed previously on Theatre & Tonic during runs at Leicester’s Curve and at the Dominion Theatre in the West End, follows the original stage script from the 1970s. Audiences only familiar with the movie version may be surprised by some unexpected differences. The “T-Birds” are “The Burger Palace Boys” and there are some changes in where the popular movie songs take place in the storyline, as well as some new (to most people) additions.
The 50’s vibe was obvious from the moment we entered the auditorium, with classic tunes playing before the show started and the stage brightly lit with neon signs. I loved the way the backdrop of the set featured radio DJ Vince Fontaine (played by Joe Gash) throughout the show and there was always a small radio on stage faintly playing the songs of the time - either carried by someone or placed strategically on stage.
Ben Middleton and Hope Dawe starred as leading roles Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski, alongside a fantastic supporting cast who really gelled together and were fully believable as a tight-knit group of friends. Everyone gave phenomenal performances and I particularly enjoyed Rebecca Stenhouse’s portrayal of Rizzo - she has one of the most iconic Grease numbers, ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’, and boy did she deliver!
During the opening number I was a little unsure of Middleton and Dawe but felt they both grew in to their characters as the production continued and delivered outstanding vocals both separately and together. The only thing I find a bit disappointing is that I don’t really think you get to see their relationship with each other develop in the same way we do in the film. I felt the story focuses more on each of them as individuals finding their way in life and growing as people, rather than on them falling in love. There were some parts of the show where they weren’t together, and then time would jump forward considerably and they were. It just didn’t fully link up.
Arlene Phillips’ choreography is “electrifying” with a personal standout for me being ‘Hand Jive’ at the school dance. As a dancer it made me immediately want to join in, and great choreography is only made even better by the additional of a flowy 50’s skirt!
I did struggle with picking up some of the dialogue throughout the show and I’m unsure whether this was due to sound levels or the accents - some of which were a bit questionable. The production ends with a megamix, and an opportunity to get up and sing and dance along to all our favourite songs - FINALLY! The cast looked like they were having a ball and the audience were too.
Grease promises a fun-filled night of nostalgia and I promise if you are a fan of the movie then you won’t be disappointed. It’s a heart-warming production that is full of sass, energy and good laughs so don’t miss the chance to see Grease while you can.
Grease is playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 29 June before continuing on tour until 16 November 2024.
★ ★ ★ ★
