Theatre

Grease The Musical at Palace Theatre Manchester – a fizzing celebration of nostalgia

A night full of pelvic hip thrusts, leather pants and singalong tunes. (Contains affiliate links)

Clementine Hall - 10th October 2024

There’s no denying that we all love a bit of Grease – the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is etched into our minds as an absolute cult classic at this point.

And the stage production is just as lighthearted and entertaining, so a midweek pick-me-up to see Grease The Musical at the Palace Theatre in Manchester was just what the doctor ordered.

If, like me, you could probably recite 80% of the film by heart and the Grease Megamix is one of your most played songs on Spotify, then you’re in for an absolute treat speckled with a few unexpected surprises.

The T-Birds and the Pink Ladies sing the classics with gusto, defiance and teenage rebellion. Add in exceptional choreography from Arlene Philips into the mix and you’ve got yourself an assault on the senses, but in the best way possible.

A definite highlight was ‘Freddy My Love’, a song written specifically for the musical that sees Marty (played by India Chadwick) longingly yearn for her so-called fiancé in the iconic sleepover scene.

Chadwick won the audience over whilst singing a lesser known song, a feat not easy to complete but done with ease.

Grease the Musical is on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. — Image: Supplied

Other highlights included ‘Beauty School Dropout’, because who can resist a cast dressed in pink bouffant wigs and fluffy wings, and ‘Born To Hand Jive’.

Both numbers spearheaded by Josh Gash who played the coveted multirole of Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel, a role that if done well could steal the show – and he absolutely did.

Marley Fenton and Hope Dawe brought the love story of Danny and Sandy vividly to life, all thanks to their electric on-stage chemistry and exceptional vocals which made the audience at ease from the opening note.

Rebecca Stenhouse, playing Betty Rizzo, was nothing short of sensational. Her sharp wit and stern look had the audience in fits of laughter, while her impressive vocals left us in awe.

Overall if you’re looking for a fun night out at the theatre, then this is the production for you.

Two hours filled with brilliant songs that you know the lyrics to, stellar choreography and dazzling special effects – you’ll most definitely be leaving with a smile on your face if nothing else plus perhaps a few melodies in your head.

Grease The Musical is on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 19 October, and you can get your tickets HERE.

Featured image: Publicity picture