Interview with Grease: The Immersive Musical’s Stephanie Costi

Nothing screams summer more than indulging in Grease: The Immersive Musical, which returns to Battersea Park for a limited eight-week run, kicking off on 22 July. Produced by Secret Cinema, the immersive show allows audience members to become a part of the beloved movie musical in a space that is transformed into Rydell High.

Reprising the role of Sandy is Stephanie Costi and we had the opportunity to chat with her ahead of the show and to find out why audiences need to spend their summer nights at Grease: The Immersive Musical.

1. ‎You are reprising the role of Sandy in Grease Immersive Musical. How does it feel to be spending another summer doing this show and what are you most excited for? 

I'm so grateful to the team for bringing me back this year as Sandy. I truly had the summer of a lifetime, and it has been one of my favourite jobs to date. What I loved last year was the artist's freedom to roam the space when we weren’t in choreographed sections, so every single show was different, but also recreating the most iconic moments of many people’s upbringings (tell me about it, stud). The joy in that venue was unbeatable! Not to mention the most insane re-imagination of the choreography by our incredible choreographer Jen Webber and direction by Matt Costain, such a pleasure to work with kind, generous, but most importantly, talented humans!

2. ‎Sandy is one of the most iconic roles for women in musical theatre. Does that make it exciting, intimidating, or both? How have you carved your own take on Sandy in the creative process?

Both exciting and intimidating, for sure. It's thrilling to step into such an iconic role, but the pressure is real; everyone has such a high expectation and protection for who Sandy is. We have done plenty of framework for each character and have carved out the gaps in what the film doesn’t tell us. To me, she is like a house cat - i think she has grown up in a very protective household and maybe homeschooled for some of her life, so stepping out into Rydell High and meeting these larger than life characters is eye-opening for her. And to me, this means her transformation isn't a change for a guy, it's her finally permitting herself to be bold. Same Sandy, just braver.

3. What aspects of her personality do you connect with the most? 

I truly connect to Sandy's optimism, her loyalty to people she cares about, and that she's a bit of a romantic at heart. I also get her awkwardness in new situations, trying to fit in while staying true to herself. And honestly? I love that she finally lets loose and has fun and owns who she is!

4. This version of Grease is immersive. How is that different from a traditional stage musical?

Tom Rodgers' set design is incredible; it literally feels like you've walked into the movie. The diner, the fun house, Frosty's Palace; they're all recreated so vividly that you're not just watching, you're there. Action happens all around you, not just on one stage. And the best part is that you can show up dressed as whoever you want, join in the dances, and get pulled right into the world. It's less like a show and more like a party you're part of.

5. The audiences that come to this production as part of the world created by Secret Cinema. Does that change the energy of a performance and how you connect with audiences overall? 

Totally. The energy is electric because the audience isn't just watching, they're in it with us. They're dressed up, they're speaking with us, sometimes they're even dancing with us. It makes every performance feel fresh and unpredictable. You feed off that energy, and the connection feels more personal than a traditional stage show where there's that invisible wall between you and the crowd.

6. Have you had any memorable audience interactions? 

One of my favourite moments from last years’ production was spending a section of time in the Fair Ground with Patty. Last year I rode the Ferris Wheel with an audience member and yapped for 5-10 minutes on dating advice. Another memorable moment was having a tissue ball fight in Frosty’s Palace with Danny and some audience members. It’s these moments the audience remembers and truly makes the show feel alive!

7. Which is your favourite musical number in Grease and why? 

It’s either Summer Lovin’ or You’re the One That I Want! Summer lovin’ sets up the show, it’s one of the first full numbers on the bleachers and picnic benches, and then the comparison between the finale in the leather and red lip and curled hair is just iconic!

8. What makes Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical a must-see this summer? 

It's the ultimate summer night out, you're not just watching Grease, you're living it. The sets look like the movie come to life, the action happens all around you, and you can dress up, dance along, and be part of the story. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just want a fun, feel-good night, it's pure entertainment with a crowd that's fully in it. After a sold out run last year people were gutted they couldn’t make it, so that’s proof enough to get down to Rydell High!

Grease: The Immersive Musical will run at Evolution London in Battersea Park from 22 July to 13 September 2026.