Wandering With
Wandering With
Yasmin Saoirse
Grease is the Word. On London's West End.
Grease is the Word. On London's West End.
“Going to kick off the show all nice and fine, and spin a new old favourite of mine." Vince Fontaine.
9th June 2022.
All views in this piece are my own, I am in no way affiliate to this show, although I was given a ticket to see it by a third party. I have not been asked to write this review.
***in three words:***
Nostalgic, Funny & Warm
The first time I watched Grease, the movie version, I was 10 years old. It was for sure one of my first experiences of bi panic. As I fell madly in love with my latest blockbuster rental. Remember those?
I watched that film so many times, my mum had to pick up a copy to avoid further fines. At age 11 I was cast in my school's production of Grease. Of course a heavily abridged version for primary school children to perform. But this gave me the opportunity to read the original script and score. And I fell even deeper in love.
Although my classmates had no interest, I found a copy of the 1972 original Broadway soundtrack. With the original arrangements, track order and lyrics. Far better than the watered down pre watershed movie moments. 11 year old me had struck gold in a charity shop on the Dartmouth road.
Aware of what Hollywood did to the show, in order to mould a cult classic, I had held off seeing any of the Westend revivals. Until this years production at the Dominion Theatre.
So what was different about this one?
"Grease's West End return is a gritty update with plenty of surprises for fans." Smooth Radio
"We want to empower the female characters, we want to highlight the toxic masculinity of these male characters and how it can be jarring. We haven’t shied away from it." Dan Partridge, Westend's Danny Zuko.
"We have three black Pink Ladies, which is the first time ever - that's iconic" Jocasta Almgill, Westend's Rizzo.
I wanted to, I needed to see this well timed and much needed update of a beloved classic. But I also craved a return to the original 1972 Broadway production.
I can tell you whole heartedly, this production of Grease on London's Westend in 2022, delivered on both fronts. Mostly.
Yes. Even Peter Andre.
From the opening note till the curtain dropped, this show brought it. The energy, the skill, the passion. The cast showed us their command of the show as they took us on this much adored journey of high school self actualisation. The orchestra took us to our childhoods. Traveling a decade with each beloved ballad and leitmotiv.
The first act beautifully combined a return to the original with a few somewhat minimal updated ideas on feminism.
The second act did loose me. It very much felt half finished. That a development deadline came up. So they left it in the 1970s and shoved in You're the One That I Want and a second run of We Go Together to cover any sins.
Having a cast that is inclusive and representative of this century is very powerful. And is 100% what won me over with this show.
I loved this production for allowing the character developments of the wider cast. Not just Sandy and Danny. Which is one of the ways the movie version short changed us. There really is so much more going on in this storyline.
With the inclusion of more character's storylines, songs from the original show made it back in. I am a little sad that my absolute favourite song didn’t make the cut once again.
I was not surprised. Maybe one day a production of Grease will be staged where they make space for All Choked Up and You're the One That I Want...
This has been a tough review to write without dropping spoilers. But do know, if you’re a fan of the original Broadway show you will find something to love about this production. You will get swept off your feet. Let yourself enjoy it.
If you're a fan of the movie and have no knowledge of the original production, you may be confused. My advice, just go with it. Its worth it. I am very sure you dancing in your seat in no time at all.
Would I go see it again? Probably not.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Photograph taken at the end of the show during the medley, when you are allowed!
Photograph taken at the end of the show during the medley, when you are allowed!
Myself and my Mother outside the Dominion Theatre .
Myself and my Mother outside the Dominion Theatre .
Photograph taken at the end of the show during the medley, when you are allowed!
Photograph taken at the end of the show during the medley, when you are allowed!