Grease - 2013

Last December this talented company had to cancel their annual pantomime due to a shortage of members, some having moved on to universities and colleges. What a difference a few months make! New recruits came in and have done so well that they are now confidently taking part in this popular musical, a spin-off from the famous film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

Making their debuts in the lead roles of Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko, Laura Nicholson and Kyle Passmore sparkle in key numbers like Summer Nights and You're the One that I Want, in both cases receiving strong support from the ensemble. Their love develops at Rydell High School in the 50s when Danny is leader of the leather-jacketed 'greasers' and Sandy has to overcome her image as a rather wholesome good girl with no bad habits.

Outstanding performances, too, from Dom Harris (Kenickie) and Sarah Fullwood (Betty Rizzo), and one of the most impressive scenes features Matt Brook as Teen Angel, Philippa Coley (Frenchy) and the girls in Beauty School Dropout. Another star of the show is the flash American car built by members of the company and brilliantly transformed on stage for the big song, Greased Lightning.

Grease is directed by Deb Brook with Suzy Bleasdale's choreography and Andy Johnson's musical direction. To Saturday night (May 11).

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PAUL MARSTON