After its hugely successful run last summer, Secret Cinema and Today Tix's production of Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is back and when it comes to immersive theatre, it doesn't get much better than this. Secret Cinema has spent the past 19 years creating more than 60 productions, specialising in transporting audiences into the worlds of the films and shows they recreate and with Grease, it has to go down as one of their most impressive achievements yet.
Set in the heart of Battersea Park, you're transported straight to Rydell High's end-of-year carnival from the moment you walk through the gates. The venue opens 90 minutes before the performance begins and I'd strongly recommend arriving as early as possible to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the fairground rides. From the Ferris wheel and Chair-o-Planes to Hook-a-Duck and Tin Can Alley, there's plenty of entertainment on offer, alongside a wide selection of food and drink stalls.
Inside the Rydell building, you'll find an excellent recreation of the school's reception, as well as the Benefit Beauty School and the gymnasium. The attention to detail is genuinely staggering, with countless little touches and Easter eggs for fans of the film. I particularly enjoyed spotting the Rydell High Honours Board, complete with the names of the show's creative team.
At precisely 7.30pm, the film begins on the giant outdoor screen with Danny and Sandy's iconic opening scenes on the beach. As soon as the opening bars of "Grease Is the Word" begin, the doors to the indoor theatre space are flung open and what a reveal. To say Secret Cinema has gone all out would be an understatement.
A huge central performance area is surrounded by a host of beautifully realised locations. "Drive-In Seating" features rows of booths designed as vintage cars, while the "Frosty Palace" offers another seating area. Elsewhere, you'll find the live orchestra, recreations of locations including the Rydell Auto Shop and several bars, all contributing to the immersive experience.
The evening unfolds with the film continuously playing across multiple indoor screens, interspersed with live shots of the performers (credit to video designer Ian William Galloway). Whenever a musical number begins, however, the film's soundtrack gives way to the outstanding live band, while the cast perform the songs in a variety of locations throughout the space. The result is a wonderfully dynamic experience that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end.
As an audience member, you're welcome to join in as much or as little as you like, with absolutely no pressure. If you'd rather sit back and watch the whole evening, that's perfectly fine, but if you want to get up, dance and interact with the cast, you're free to do that too.
The cast is uniformly excellent, bringing energy, charisma and infectious enthusiasm to every scene. Although it very much feels like an ensemble piece, special mention must go to Giórgos Michaelídes as Danny, Stephanie Costi as Sandy, and Lucy Penrose as Rizzo, all of whom are superb. Ricky Wilson, of Kaiser Chiefs fame, also makes a delightful cameo as the Teen Angel. On such a hot evening, the cast's stamina and commitment were especially impressive!
Director Matt Costain has created a production that will delight lifelong Grease fans while winning over newcomers too. Designer Tom Rogers deserves enormous praise for crafting such an immersive world, complemented beautifully by Howard Hudson's lighting and Gareth Fry's sound design. Jennifer Weber's electrifying choreography pays homage to the original film while injecting it with contemporary dynamism, all performed to Steve Sidwell's brilliantly orchestrated arrangements. Finally, costume designer Susan Kulkarni deserves recognition for her beautifully detailed work, which adds enormously to the authenticity and vibrancy of the evening.
Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical runs until 13 September and it's one of the most entertaining, ambitious and joyful theatrical experiences you'll find this summer…or any summer for that matter! Whether you're a devoted fan of the film or simply looking for a spectacular night out, this is an immersive event not to be missed. I might even go so far as to say “It's the One That You Want!” (Sorry-couldn't resist!).
Tickets: here.
Review: Jack Shaw Photos: Matt Crockett