Charlie Bond heads to TWODS’ performance of Grease to become a Pink Lady for the evening…
The first musical I ever saw on stage was Grease. I went for my seventh birthday and knew none of the songs, but from the moment I saw those hairprayed barnets, muscle cars and Pink Lady jackets on stage, I was hooked.
Grease is iconic, and 40 years after the film’s release it’s still just as popular as ever – so TWODS (Tunbridge Wells Operatic & Dramatic Society)�have chosen wisely�in deciding to bring the classic musical to the stage this week, as shown by the packed theatre.
Everything about this performance is impressive – the set design, production and costumes�are every bit as good as a West End show, and the casting�is spot-on too. When Sandy (Becky Histed) belts out Summer Lovin’ I sit, mouth agape for a second – this girl is seriously, seriously good. Other stand-out performances come from lothario Kenickie (Dave Hynes) and the formidable Rizzo (Jessica Elliott) who are a great pairing.
The choreography is also outstanding – from pirouettes with tyres in Grease Lightning to a sequin-studded routine for Beauty School Drop-Out, these guys and girls can do it all.
TWODS have put their own stamp on the musical, changing some scenes to suit the stage – but die-hard fans, don’t despair – all the songs you know and love are still there, and, *spoiler alert* – Danny and Sandy are Hopelessly Devoted by the final curtain.
If you have a spare evening this week then grab your leather jacket and head on down to Rydell High. And if you don’t have a spare evening, cancel your plans – this�is one show you won’t want to miss.
Tickets available at�www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
