Review: GREASE, Dominion Theatre

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Last night saw the official opening of Grease the Musical at the Dominion Theatre. Whilst this new revival may feel a little lost in 2022, we are treated to fantastic performances, exceptional choreography and a rather brilliant atmosphere to boot.

Essays could be written about Grease the Musical, which was written in the 70s and set in the 50s - it is the very example of "it was a different time". Therefore, all of the visual elements do get slightly overshadowed by the issues with its book.

The choreography is, as previously mentioned, exceptional. Arlene Philips truly knows how to stage a dance number and was indeed '“Born to Hand Jive". With this cast's youthful energy and her slick, sharp choreography, she manages to fill the Dominion stage with a party-like atmosphere.

While adults who grew up with the film may see no issues with what plays out on stage, those whom are seeing the story play out with fresh eyes may find it mildly unsettling. Many still regard Grease as “a classic" however and at least we can still admire stories like this as "cautionary tales", knowing that things are different now.

That being said, the performers in the cast do the best they can with the material given and shine when they come together to perform larger numbers such as ‘Greased Lightning’ and ‘Hand Jive’. With the Dominion Theatre being as big as it is, it's been known to be almost impossible to create an atmosphere within it. Grease manages to do this well as the cast have bounds of infectious energy performing these songs we all know.

Olivia Moore is a definite stand out. And with this as only her third professional credit, we are sure she has an incredible career ahead of her, with stunning vocals that effortlessly fill the entire space, especially when stood alone on such an enormous stage. Jacosta Almgill is also brilliantly cast as Rizzo, we wished we could've seen more of her.

There are also many West End debuts within the cast and we would love to congratulate all of these new performers on their achievements. The talent in the entire ensemble is electric and absolutely full to the brim with potential.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Callum Wallace

Grease plays at the Dominion Theatre until 29 October, with tickets available here.