Review: Grease, The Musical at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall

It’s one of the best loved musicals of all time, but it’s even better on the stage.

Now playing at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall, Grease The Musical put a smile on my face and didn’t let it drop until the curtain fell.

It’s the 1950s, rock n roll is in and cool is king. But the students of Rydell High are just trying to get through school in this classic coming of age story.

We meet bad boy Danny and the clean cut Sandy, who despite being polar opposites enjoyed a whirlwind summer romance and didn’t expect to see one another again.

But at the start of the school year the pair are unexpectedly reunited and as a little bit of the magic has been lost when they meet in the real world, they are forced to reflect on if they are willing to change to be with each other.

Supported by a colourful cast of fully fleshed out side characters, it was easy to believe this was a real group of highschoolers finding joy in the little things in life at an age when so many are confused.

Perhaps best known as the classic 1978 film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, fans may not be aware that Grease was originally a musical stage show that was adapted for the big screen.

An even bigger surprise is that although the two versions share the same DNA, they actually differ quite a lot, with extra songs, interesting new characters and a deeper dive into the love stories and lives of these young teens.

Filled with big laughs, stylised action and some genuinely heartfelt moments, I saw real growth among the characters and felt myself rooting for them to succeed.

The acting from everyone hit the entertainment sweet spot, but the stand out moments came in the musical numbers, with incredible singing and brilliant choreography.

Whether it was Summer Nights, Greased Lightin’, or You’re The One That I Want, this is a musical you can’t help but want to sing and dance along to.

Speaking of the music, a live orchestra gave everything that extra lift and energy needed to carry the performers through.

Energetic and bouncing from beginning to end, if you want to have fun at the theatre, this is the hottest ticket in town.

Grease The Musical is now playing at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall until this Saturday. (August 31).

— FB.