Grease

Grease

Grease

The West End features many world famous musicals, all hoping to win the adoration of thousands of theatregoing fans. But one show has been in the hearts of millions for decades, providing audiences with an adventure through rock n’ roll antics, with greasers and high school girls providing the thrills at the Piccadilly Theatre.

“Grease” is the word. The feel-good musical, immortalised in the 1978 movie of the same name, continues its successful run in the West End having seen many big names take on its signature roles, from Ray Quinn and Jimmy Osmond to Danny Bayne from television’s “Grease Is The Word”, a show that also found Susan McFadden and cemented the show’s triumphant return to London in 2007. Outside of the current run many other big name celebrities have starred in Grease, with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John taking on the roles for the hit movie and the likes of Richard Gere, Elaine Paige, Tracey Ullman, Shane Ritchie and Craig McLachlan landing roles on the stage.

But what is the story of “Grease” and what has made it so appealing? “Grease” is the story of bad boy Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski. These two iconic characters meet on a beach in 1950s California, having the time of their lives and falling in love. Danny is a cool and slick player, holding a position as the leader of a gang called the T-Birds whilst Sandy is a member of the Pink Ladies, returning to their respective groups to tell all about their romantic endeavour. But what they do not realise is that they are now students at the same school and when they both attend a prep rally and come face to face once more, they realise that they aren’t the same people that met on that beach. So to be together, Danny might have to change his ways. It is a compelling story made appealing by great characters and a wonderful romance.

But being a musical, “Grease” is also appealing for its great songs, including “Grease (Is The Word)”, “Greased Lightning”, “Hopelessly Devoted To You”, “Sandy”, “Summer Nights”, “Those Magic Changes”, “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee” and “You’re The One That I Want”.

Originally penned by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, “Grease” is tackles a range of themes in its 1950s setting at the fictional Rydell High School, from gang violence to love, friendship, adolescent rebellion and many more. It was first seen by the name of “Grease Lightning” at Kingston Mines in Chicago, though this was a much grittier version than the one we know today. It would soon make the transition to Broadway, opening in 1972 at the Broadhurst Theatre, with many big names in key roles. The following year it opened at the New London Theatre in the West End, with the likes of Richard Gere leading the way. It was a hit show, attracting many punters and leading to its rise to pop culture icon with the movie version later in the decade.

This version is part of a 2007 revival that has once again cemented the show as a classic. It appears at the Piccadilly Theatre where it is currently taking bookings until 2010.