The Curve Leicester production of Grease, currently touring at Sheffield’s Lyceum, delivers a lively and vibrant reimagining of this classic musical. Directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the show refreshes Grease with its energetic staging, while preserving some of the beloved traditional elements that fans expect, like Sandy’s transformation outfit at the end.
Marley Fenton shines as Danny Zuko, effortlessly capturing the charm and swagger of the iconic character. His chemistry with Hope Dawe’s Sandy Dumbrowski, however, is slightly uneven. While Dawe certainly gives her all to the role, her portrayal leans towards overacting, especially noticeable during the heart-wrenching “Hopelessly Devoted.” This performance style may resonate differently depending on the audience’s expectations, but it did sometimes detract from the emotional core of her character.
On the other hand, the male cast steals the show with their dynamic performances. Roger, portrayed by Lewis Day, stands out with an impressive vocal performance, especially in the playful “Mooning.” Kieran Lynch also shines as Doody, whose guitar solo in “Those Magic Changes” adds a charming touch to the production. Together with the rest of the Burger Palace Boys, the group displays flawless synchronicity, both vocally and in their choreography, bringing a high energy that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
A true standout of the evening is Joe Gash as Vince Fontaine (also appearing as Teen Angel), who brings electrifying energy and charisma to the role. He opens and closes the show with a bang, providing a humorous, high-energy presence that bookends the production wonderfully and keeps the audience in high spirits.
The female ensemble, including Rebecca Stenhouse as the fiery Rizzo, brings depth and variety to the Pink Ladies. Stenhouse’s Rizzo is nuanced, particularly during her solo “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” which showcases both her vocal prowess and the complexities of her character. The Pink Ladies and ensemble support the show’s themes of friendship and youthful rebellion well, though some traditionalists may find certain interpretations diverging from the familiar movie portrayals.
The show culminates in a lively mash-up section that delighted the audience, with many singing and dancing along after the standing ovation. This addition seemed tailored to bring a fresh twist for those familiar with the film, though it may not fully satisfy purists looking for the classic numbers and characterizations they know from the movie.
With a running time of around two hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute interval, Grease at the Lyceum is a thoroughly enjoyable evening for audiences young and old. While some adjustments might surprise traditionalists, it’s a thrilling experience that leaves the audience on a high note, with music, energy, and a few modern touches that make this production a memorable end to the tour.
Grease plays at the Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 16th November where it will conclude its UK tour.
Photography from Marc Brenner
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