A pitch perfect experience that pays loving tribute to the film, offering plenty of thrills along the way.
Grease is most definitely the word at Battersea Park, where Secret Cinema’s latest immersive experience that celebrates the world of Rydell High and its students with wonderful attention to detail and plenty of opportunity for audiences to mingle with the characters.
From the second that you arrive at the location, audiences will be wowed by what the creative team have managed to put together to ensure that everyone in attendance is whisked not only back into the 1950’s era but also Rydell High and the variety of locations that the film takes place in. Beginning outdoors you step into a wonderfully fashionable fairground set – complete with rides and food and rink vendors to ensure the evening gets off to a great start – complete with a screen that blares out the opening memorable sequence before whisking audiences indoors.
Once inside, there are variety of areas – two sections devoted to VIP seating – that audiences can wonder around in at their leisure as the story both on screen and stage unfolds. All of the key moments are covered to great effect, blending the original film and live performance perfectly – I was really impressed with how the voices of the live performers were in fantastic synchronisation with the film showing just how well put together this has been. Perhaps the only slight (and very slight at that) issue is that some of the dialogue and lyrics can be missed – but perhaps the sound balance will get better as the run goes on.
From start to finish, director Matt Costain has faithfully recreated the film itself enhancing the most beloved of moments, with the high school dance numbers (in which the audience is invited to join the cast on stage – one of many moments in which this happens) and of course iconic number ‘Greased Lightnin” being particularly electrifying. The atmosphere throughout is joyful and engaging.
But Costain also knows how to take it down a notch to ensure that there is a sense of soulfulness and emotional heart to numbers such as ‘There are Worse Things That I Could Do’ and ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ that really captures the audience’s attention (full credit to Lucy Penrose’s performance of Rizzo and Stephanie Costi’s performance as Sandy as well of course).
Credit should also be given to Jennifer Weber’s brilliant choreography, which while playing homage to the original film’s choreograohy, adds a fresh new vibe that makes it feel like we are seeing it for the very first time. The costumes designed by Susan Kulkarni and Martina Trottman also have an incredible amount of detail that shows how closely they paid attention to the film and replicate it – right down to the shoes which shows that expense has been spared when it comes to ensuring that everything is correct and present.
It is clear that all of the cast are having an absolute blast bringing this story to life (despite the before mentioned sound issues in places). Liam Morris is a suitably goofy while trying to be cool Danny, with him and the ensemble nearly bringing the roof off with the rendition of ‘Greased Lightnin”, well matched by Stephanie Costi’s sweet Sandy whose vocals really soar in all the right places – the pair have a lovely chemistry. Lucy Penrose as Rizzo is another standout – her spikiness and sass is simply on point as is her vulnerability that she perfectly captures. Liam Buckland as Kenickie has great swagger to his performance but I should also mention Imogen Kingsley Smith as Pattie who never fails to charm the audience in the way she interacts with them as does Jacob Stebbings as Eugene. But there is no weak performance from any of the cast, ensuring that they capture the audiences hearts as well as attention.
Overall, this is a bold and ambitious way to showcase Grease as both a musical and story and it really pays off to ensure that audiences leave on a massive high note. A fabulous night out.
By Emma Clarendon
Grease: The Immersive Musical is on at Evolution London until the 7th September. To book tickets click here.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️