Kings Theatre, Southsea – until 14th April 2024
Reviewed by Sally Lumley
5*****
Grease The Musical has been brought to the stage at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth this week, in the latest of their in-house community productions. Made infamous by the 1978 movie, this is the story of teenage love, friendship and angst, set in 1950’s Rydell High School.
As the movie is so iconic we can’t help but compare any new production against it, and I’m happy to report that the Kings stood up to the challenge. This production was full of energy from the offset, and although this is a community production, it delivered a professional level end result.
Jacob Bailey as Danny Zuko was bursting with confident cool charisma. With his slicked back hair and gyrating hips, he evoked jailhouse rock Elvis vibes, while also bringing a good dose of teenage bravado to the role. Poppy Bailey provided the perfect balance as sweet, naive Sandy Dumbrowski; her flawless rendition of Hopelessly Devoted to You really showcased her vocal capabilities. They were very capably supported by the Pink Ladies and T-Birds, who collectively created what felt like a very believable friendship group and shone in their solo moments. Tom Wood’s Kenickie raised the roof with Greased Lightnin’, testing the limits of the audience members’ ability not to join in, and Amy Pickance as Betty Rizzo was the just the right amount of sardonic sarcasm and teenage vulnerability. A special mention has to be given though to the sparkling silver teen angel Stuart Warner, who milked the audience for all it was worth in a moment of pure disco ball magic (provided by lighting designer Mark Dymock).
With a full live band on stage throughout, and high energy ensemble numbers from choreographer Bee Anderson, this is a big production, and it is wonderful to see that the Kings Theatre have upped their game yet again with their in-house shows.
Grease is most definitely the word in Portsmouth this week, with all the energy and drama of a high school prom. Go like Greased Lightnin’, this is not to be missed.