For those of us who are 'hopelessly devoted' to the 1978 musical Grease, the return to the stage in 2017 is not unheard of news. The show was begun it's nine-month tour in Wimbledon on the 24th of April and will conclude on the 31st of December. With the cast varying from the likes of Celebrity Big Brother star Darren Day as Teen Angel to The Wanted singer Tom Parker as Danny and Over the Rainbow winner Danielle Hope as Sandy I, for one, was worried as to how they would match to the on-screen characters I've loved for years. Although Tom Parker was no John Travolta, the 'electrifying' singing and dancing along with the unforgettable love story was enough to result in some serious top-tapping.
Of course, to not mention the spectacular hits would be criminal. There are around eighteen musical numbers includes - including reprises - with some from the movie (and not the original stage show) and a handful that never made it into the movie but only lived on stage; a number of the songs being 'summer nights', 'beauty school drop out' and my favourite 'there are worse things I could do'.
Although following the main plot line throughout, the production adds moments - such as Frenchy and Doody's budding relationship being granted more attention - as well as taking some key scenes away - for example, the car chase scene and you're the one that I want' taking place at the carnival.
Ultimately, for anyone who is even a casual Grease fan, I would whole-heartedly recommend searching for tickets for the upcoming shows - it truly does make you want to stand up and shout 'A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop, a-wop-bam-boom!'.
Ellie Jones, Langley Park School for Girls
