REVIEW
GREASE the Musical
Presented by Little Theatre Company
Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea
WED 8 - SAT 11 MAY 2024
PLUS
CURTAIN CALL WITH DANNY AND SANDY!
GREASE the Musical
Presented by Little Theatre Company
Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea
WED 8 - SAT 11 MAY 2024
PLUS
CURTAIN CALL WITH DANNY AND SANDY!
Those of us who can remember the summer of 1978 will also remember how John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John became household names as Grease the movie was launched into cinemas across the the world. Summer Nights and You’re the One that I Want were constantly being played on the radio and Grease really was the word that you heard. Some of us, who were perhaps a little too young to be allowed to watch the film but who managed to sneak into the cinema regardless, struggled with this new American teen lingo and that was probably not a bad thing as, to be honest, a lot of it was a little near the knuckle. However, this box office hit was possibly the coolest film, EVER, at the time.
What a lot of people don’t realise is that Grease was on stage before it was written into a film with John Travolta making his role the cool one and grabbing all the best songs. There have been many professional productions of the musical over the years and I was lucky enough to go the premiere of the London revival back in 1993 where they had re-written the score to include favourites from the film including Hopelessly Devoted to You and Sandy which had previously been omitted. This was a good move as expectations were frequently let down as audiences realised that the musical wasn’t quite in line with the film. And this is where I have always felt a little short changed with any other stage version of Grease the Musical that I’ve seen.
The first thing you realise when watching Little Theatre Company’s (LTC) production of Grease the Musical is that it begins with the backstory of Danny and Sandy falling for each other at the beach under the Love is a Many Splendored Thing instrumental which is cheekily pinched from the film. It’s a great start and sets us up for what is to come. And what does come is not only a fabulous high energy production but one that also delivers some well placed homages to the screen version.
The first number, Grease is the Word, really kicks off the energy of the night under the baton of MD, Paul Day, with the whole cast creating a great sound, alongside some fantastic harmonies, great costumes and characterisations throughout.
Naturally, Danny and Sandy end up bumping into each other again at the beginning of the Rydell School term and the Danny who Sandy met at the beach is an altogether different beast when he’s messing with his pals. Sandy hooks up with the super cool Pink Ladies who are a little way out in comparison to her shy and restrained girl-next-door demeanour; and despite Danny’s initial need to look cool in front of his cohorts, he still yearns to get together with Sandy.
Seb Poskitt-Richardson completely embodies the character of Danny and certainly gives John Travolta a run for his money as he impressively takes on this iconic role. The voice, the mannerisms and yes, even the moves, are all there. He gives a fabulous performance that will really make the girls swoon. Heather Smith really looks the part and also does a great job as the virginal goody-two-shoes, Sandy, especially showing off some lovely vocals in Hopelessly Devoted to You, although she was perhaps a little more Cinderella than Sandy in the hair department. That said, there was some great chemistry between Danny and Sandy building up to the You’re the One That I Want Number which really went down a storm.
There’s a lot of comedy to be had in this production, and LTC didn’t disappoint here with some fabulous moments throughout from every single cast member. Lewis Carlisle was the perfect, slightly gormless but loveable Doody and I loved Charley Sutton’s performance as Jan, who can’t help finishing off other people’s lunches. Katie Russo also gives a great interpretation of Rizzo and I loved her rendition of There Are Worse Things I Could Do. Both the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies work well together and you really feel as though they have been friends for years.
A special nod must go to Jack Crone who plays the haplessly lanky Eugene, providing lots of laughs with a fabulous portrayal of the school geek.
There are some really inventive pieces in this production that have been cleverly arranged with Marty’s number Freddie My Love being one such scenario. Paige Williamson ‘pulls it off’ brilliantly. Also, watch out for the Beauty School Drop Out number, lead by John Staines as Teen Angel, which will have you opened mouthed in awe at the wondrous feat of the LTC Wardrobe Department who surely should get an award for creativity here. In fact the costumes throughout are outstanding; Carla Cater, Joan Hubbard and Chantal Paul need to take a bow at the end too I feel.
Co-Directors, Laura and Darren Harper have brought their own vision of Grease the Musical to the Palace Theatre stage this week and it really doesn’t disappoint. The cast have totally embraced their characters with all the chutzpah and gritty determination that any 1950s teen would do when up against the dilemma’s of the day. The film was pretty risqué at the time and it still has the power to shock a little now, with topics of sex and pregnancy right up there alongside the witty high school banter. Choreographers, Laura Gabbitus and Paige Williamson have also worked well with the cast to produce some nice looking routines alongside the big numbers plus sound and lighting were on top from under the technical brilliance of Glenn Oxenbury and Mark Smith.
Essentially though, this is a feel good show that will have you tapping your feet and ‘rama lama lama ka dinga da dingo donging’ your way through the evening with a big smile on your face. Grease film fans won’t be disappointed. It also finishes around 9:45pm so you won’t get a numb bum. Grab your tickets - Grease is the word that you heard right here!
Thanks for a great night out LTC!
Review: Kim Tobin
What a lot of people don’t realise is that Grease was on stage before it was written into a film with John Travolta making his role the cool one and grabbing all the best songs. There have been many professional productions of the musical over the years and I was lucky enough to go the premiere of the London revival back in 1993 where they had re-written the score to include favourites from the film including Hopelessly Devoted to You and Sandy which had previously been omitted. This was a good move as expectations were frequently let down as audiences realised that the musical wasn’t quite in line with the film. And this is where I have always felt a little short changed with any other stage version of Grease the Musical that I’ve seen.
The first thing you realise when watching Little Theatre Company’s (LTC) production of Grease the Musical is that it begins with the backstory of Danny and Sandy falling for each other at the beach under the Love is a Many Splendored Thing instrumental which is cheekily pinched from the film. It’s a great start and sets us up for what is to come. And what does come is not only a fabulous high energy production but one that also delivers some well placed homages to the screen version.
The first number, Grease is the Word, really kicks off the energy of the night under the baton of MD, Paul Day, with the whole cast creating a great sound, alongside some fantastic harmonies, great costumes and characterisations throughout.
Naturally, Danny and Sandy end up bumping into each other again at the beginning of the Rydell School term and the Danny who Sandy met at the beach is an altogether different beast when he’s messing with his pals. Sandy hooks up with the super cool Pink Ladies who are a little way out in comparison to her shy and restrained girl-next-door demeanour; and despite Danny’s initial need to look cool in front of his cohorts, he still yearns to get together with Sandy.
Seb Poskitt-Richardson completely embodies the character of Danny and certainly gives John Travolta a run for his money as he impressively takes on this iconic role. The voice, the mannerisms and yes, even the moves, are all there. He gives a fabulous performance that will really make the girls swoon. Heather Smith really looks the part and also does a great job as the virginal goody-two-shoes, Sandy, especially showing off some lovely vocals in Hopelessly Devoted to You, although she was perhaps a little more Cinderella than Sandy in the hair department. That said, there was some great chemistry between Danny and Sandy building up to the You’re the One That I Want Number which really went down a storm.
There’s a lot of comedy to be had in this production, and LTC didn’t disappoint here with some fabulous moments throughout from every single cast member. Lewis Carlisle was the perfect, slightly gormless but loveable Doody and I loved Charley Sutton’s performance as Jan, who can’t help finishing off other people’s lunches. Katie Russo also gives a great interpretation of Rizzo and I loved her rendition of There Are Worse Things I Could Do. Both the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies work well together and you really feel as though they have been friends for years.
A special nod must go to Jack Crone who plays the haplessly lanky Eugene, providing lots of laughs with a fabulous portrayal of the school geek.
There are some really inventive pieces in this production that have been cleverly arranged with Marty’s number Freddie My Love being one such scenario. Paige Williamson ‘pulls it off’ brilliantly. Also, watch out for the Beauty School Drop Out number, lead by John Staines as Teen Angel, which will have you opened mouthed in awe at the wondrous feat of the LTC Wardrobe Department who surely should get an award for creativity here. In fact the costumes throughout are outstanding; Carla Cater, Joan Hubbard and Chantal Paul need to take a bow at the end too I feel.
Co-Directors, Laura and Darren Harper have brought their own vision of Grease the Musical to the Palace Theatre stage this week and it really doesn’t disappoint. The cast have totally embraced their characters with all the chutzpah and gritty determination that any 1950s teen would do when up against the dilemma’s of the day. The film was pretty risqué at the time and it still has the power to shock a little now, with topics of sex and pregnancy right up there alongside the witty high school banter. Choreographers, Laura Gabbitus and Paige Williamson have also worked well with the cast to produce some nice looking routines alongside the big numbers plus sound and lighting were on top from under the technical brilliance of Glenn Oxenbury and Mark Smith.
Essentially though, this is a feel good show that will have you tapping your feet and ‘rama lama lama ka dinga da dingo donging’ your way through the evening with a big smile on your face. Grease film fans won’t be disappointed. It also finishes around 9:45pm so you won’t get a numb bum. Grab your tickets - Grease is the word that you heard right here!
Thanks for a great night out LTC!
Review: Kim Tobin
GREASE is a flashback to the fabulous fifties, the testosterone-fuelled T-Birds, the trend-setting Pink Ladies and the on-off relationship between Danny and Sandy, made famous by the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Head "greaser" Danny Zuko and new “good girl” Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their "Summer Nights" as they, along with the rest of the Rydell High gang, sing and dance their way through the stellar score including the hits "Greased Lightnin'," "You’re The One That I Want," and "Hopelessly Devoted To You", recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley that became the sound of a generation.
GREASE is among the world's most popular musicals and is a timeless, energetic show with infectiously catchy songs. An ode to young love that never gets old.
Wed - Sat: 7.30pm - £23.50 / Thu & Sat: 2.30pm - £19.50 Box Office: 0343 310 0030 https://booking.trafalgartickets.com/en/palace-theatre-southend/buyingflow/tickets/18740/
Head "greaser" Danny Zuko and new “good girl” Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their "Summer Nights" as they, along with the rest of the Rydell High gang, sing and dance their way through the stellar score including the hits "Greased Lightnin'," "You’re The One That I Want," and "Hopelessly Devoted To You", recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley that became the sound of a generation.
GREASE is among the world's most popular musicals and is a timeless, energetic show with infectiously catchy songs. An ode to young love that never gets old.
Wed - Sat: 7.30pm - £23.50 / Thu & Sat: 2.30pm - £19.50 Box Office: 0343 310 0030 https://booking.trafalgartickets.com/en/palace-theatre-southend/buyingflow/tickets/18740/
CURTAIN CALL
Sebastian Poskitt-Richardson of Southend is playing Danny Zuko
How long have you been a member of LTC? I have been a member of LTC for a little under 2 years but have been appearing in LTC shows since I was 11. Why did you join? I joined LTC because of the warm and welcoming environment I received when I was younger, it was always something I was desperate to be apart of. Also, everyone in the company is so insanely talented! What was the last play/musical you saw? The last play I saw was Stranger Things the First Shadow, which was incredible! I recommend the watch before it leaves the west end, the set pieces and acting were mind blowing. If you could play any role, what would it be? I would love to play Joe Casey in Our House. When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found... ....at a piano What is your favourite part of the show and why? My favourite part of the show has to be Beauty School Dropout, the incredible John Staines steals the show in one scene and the incredible costume and props team outdo themselves in so many ways. You’ll know what I mean when you see it… Describe your character in Grease in 3 words Sleazy, sweet, douche |
How do you learn your lines?
I read over the script a few times to understand my character and highlight each line so they’re easier to spot but actually learning the lines for me is like sleepwalking. I don’t remember how or when I learnt my lines for this show, they all just somehow come out of my mouth (mostly) right when we come to set the scene.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
My favourite actor is Ryan Gosling because I’m literally him.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
I played Dandy Dan in a production of Bugsy Malone, at the end of the show, during the bows the stage was full of splurge, as I came out to bow, I stacked it in front of the whole cast and audience and slipped over twice more trying to get back up.
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
My favourite dressing room item is Grease and hairspray – for obvious reasons.
Why do you think people should see the show?
The amount of charm and talent coming from everyone in the cast is through the roof, and I can safely say we have captured the true essence of Grease. The collaborative work from the amazing creative team and cast has created a show you can’t afford to miss, and I’m so proud to be sharing the stage with such incredible and lovely people. As a non-profit theatre group these shows can’t be put on without the incredible support from everyone who comes to watch so please come and support your local arts and dramatics, I promise you this show is the one that you want!
I read over the script a few times to understand my character and highlight each line so they’re easier to spot but actually learning the lines for me is like sleepwalking. I don’t remember how or when I learnt my lines for this show, they all just somehow come out of my mouth (mostly) right when we come to set the scene.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
My favourite actor is Ryan Gosling because I’m literally him.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
I played Dandy Dan in a production of Bugsy Malone, at the end of the show, during the bows the stage was full of splurge, as I came out to bow, I stacked it in front of the whole cast and audience and slipped over twice more trying to get back up.
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
My favourite dressing room item is Grease and hairspray – for obvious reasons.
Why do you think people should see the show?
The amount of charm and talent coming from everyone in the cast is through the roof, and I can safely say we have captured the true essence of Grease. The collaborative work from the amazing creative team and cast has created a show you can’t afford to miss, and I’m so proud to be sharing the stage with such incredible and lovely people. As a non-profit theatre group these shows can’t be put on without the incredible support from everyone who comes to watch so please come and support your local arts and dramatics, I promise you this show is the one that you want!
Heather Smith, 29, from Southend is playing the role of Sandy Dumbrowski
How long have you been a member of LTC? Since November 2022 Why did you join? I joined because I missed performing and wanted a creative outlet, to meet new people and get back involved with performing - plus I love musicals What was the last play/musical you saw? Coming clean at the Turbine Theatre in Battersea. If you could play any role, what would it be? Jenna, from Waitress the Musical OR Elle Woods in Legally Blonde When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found… At work or googling easy ways to make money so I can get out of said corporate job! Also, doing yoga and watching the Weakest Link. What is your favourite part of the show and why? Dance numbers like Beauty School Drop Out, Greased Lightnin, Hand Jive - love watching these numbers from the side as they’re so fun and have lots of energy! Plus any of the burger palace boys scenes - the comic timing is superb! Describe your character in Grease in 3 words. Wholesome, pure, scared and unsure (that’s 4 sorry!) |
How do you learn your lines?
I have a slightly photographic memory so can picture words on a page when remembering them, other than that recording the other persons part and saying my lines in-between helps with cues and following the flow of the conversation.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Billie Piper
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
When I was in touring educational plays pre drama school we used to prank each other sometimes with rude items in prop mugs to make each other corpse. I was playing a police officer once and my scene partner forgot his police trousers so wore tracksuit joggers instead which looked quite hilarious with the rest of the costume, I completely broke character in front of all the kids. Not a good look when you’re meant to be taken seriously, solving crime.
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Honey and lemon tea!
Why do you think people should see the show?
Because it’s a classic. There’s all the songs you expect from the film, plus for anyone who hasn’t seen the play version there’s some more great songs added in and scenes you won’t have seen before!
I have a slightly photographic memory so can picture words on a page when remembering them, other than that recording the other persons part and saying my lines in-between helps with cues and following the flow of the conversation.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Billie Piper
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
When I was in touring educational plays pre drama school we used to prank each other sometimes with rude items in prop mugs to make each other corpse. I was playing a police officer once and my scene partner forgot his police trousers so wore tracksuit joggers instead which looked quite hilarious with the rest of the costume, I completely broke character in front of all the kids. Not a good look when you’re meant to be taken seriously, solving crime.
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Honey and lemon tea!
Why do you think people should see the show?
Because it’s a classic. There’s all the songs you expect from the film, plus for anyone who hasn’t seen the play version there’s some more great songs added in and scenes you won’t have seen before!
Below: the cast in rehearsal
Photo Credits: Kim Tobin Photography
Photo Credits: Kim Tobin Photography