Grease is back at the The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham and is a great feel-good show for Grease fans. With some phenomenal vocals from the leading cast of Sandy (Hope Dawe) and Danny (Marley Fenton) and some super choreography. There’s plenty to give you a lovely evening out with friends or family.
You’ll have to bite your tongue to stop you from singing along to all the catchy tunes we know and love, ‘Sandra Dee, Greased Lightening, Summer Nights, We Go Together, Hopelessly Devoted to you… and many more. Although you get your chance to shine at the end as everyone is welcome to stand up, get their cameras out, and enjoy a good sing-a-long to the megamix.
Aside from the tunes, this performance was unfortunately (for me) lacking the wow factor. It was fun and a decent night out, and I enjoyed myself (so please don’t let me put you off), but would I opt to see the show again? No.
There’s a number of things that didn’t sit right for me this time round. The story is a little all over the place. One minute Sandy and Danny weren’t together, the next they’re sat watching a 3d movie together and he is giving her his ring. I thought I must have zoned out and missed a bit, but when chatting after the show, it became apparent that others had noticed it, too.
The lighting and sound had issues. We had lights not over the top of people speaking at the right time, and we had a microphone having a bit of a mishap on the stage. Some vocals weren’t to key and a few accents a little over the top.
But then, equally, we had some really talented cast members, great acting, some outstanding vocals from Hope Dawe playing Sandra Dee and a great set (how do they get a whole car on the stage?).
As a Grease fan, it’s a tough one to score. But if you force me, I think I’m going for 3 stars. That’s not to say you shouldn’t watch it, though. It’s a fun night out. I just don’t think you’ll be ringing everyone up to tell them to go along, too.
Showing at the Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 20th July. With tickets starting from £13. Book here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/grease/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/