Theatre Royal, Windsor – until 30 August 2025
Reviewed by Marcia Spiers
3***
Grease is one of the most iconic musicals and one that I have seen many times. I am also a huge fan of the film, being a teenager in the seventies and I know all the songs. Therefore, it is tricky for any theatre production to eclipse my vision of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
That said, this wonderful Community Production on their first night was fairly good, if not a little hampered by understandable nerves and an odd production pause. I am sure the show will go from strength to strength during the week.
Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Cassey, we all know the story. It is set in 1959 at Rydell High School focusing on a bunch of rebellious teenagers desperately trying to be grown up despite being still very vulnerable, focusing on their need to fit in with the tribe and all their romantic liaisons.
The musical numbers were in the main, well executed, although a few of them are exceedingly difficult to sing as I have found out over the years. Mention must go to Isabelle Waters (Betty Rizzo) and Ella Murphy (Marty) as their solo numbers were exceptional. To Ben Aston, whose performance as (Teen Angel) was both brilliantly camp and comical. To Daniel Willings (Doody) who for me was the star performer on the night both with his solo/guitar performance, his duet with Roger and his dancing and shear enthusiasm on stage. Evan Gerard (Danny) and Bella Barron-Peat (Sandy) gave good lead performances but appeared a little tense (first night nerves) I guess. I am sure they will relax a little over the week. Autaum Letton (Frenchy) gave a very accomplished performance, growing every minute into her character as did Lilly Jessop (Jan). Everyone else in the show (too many to mention) gave it their all. The dancing was fantastic, and Dave Edwards (Vince Fontaine) and Blake McPhillips (Johnny Casino) did a decent job of managing the high school dance scene.
A mention must also go to the backstage crew – the set designer for an economically designed set that was easily transitioned, the excellent costumes and the excellent band.
Well done to Director Carole Todd and all the team for a great production. There are many talented people in this show with enormous potential. I hope to see some of these youngsters in future productions across the land.