Grease is the word at Milton Keynes Theatre this week with a bizarre cameo role for nineties pop icon Peter Andre and plenty of hand jiving, writes Chris Gregg.
For most of us who've seen the film too many times to count, the Rydell High School in this stage show might seem a bit less familiar in places because the original musical version opened seven years before the movie was made.
Set in 1971 Chicago with a more 'gritty' and purposefully vulgar style, the 'T Birds' are the 'Burger Palace Boys' and at least half the songs didn't make it into the film.
But all the favourites are in there - from Summer Nights and Greased Lightnin’ to Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want.
This is a fresh take on this musical classic with an energetic, young cast bringing a new energy to the show with effortlessly perfect dance routines and clever staging with Peter Andre's Vince Fontaine radio DJ character appearing on the back wall of the stage in a mid-air studio at regular intervals, occasionally staying there throughout the scene, messing about polishing his on air signs or juggling records.
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After the interval there's a lot more of Peter, though, as he leads Born To Hand Jive and then returns as Teen Angel for some very impressive vocal acrobatics.
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Despite being occasionally upstaged by Peter Andre, there's a lot of talent on display from this cast with Dan Partridge giving a convincing performance as leather clad jerk Danny Zuko alongside Georgia Louise as his lust interest Sandy who brings a satisfying feistiness to the character.
The rest of the cast work really well as an ensemble and have a great chemistry together with Paul French as Kenickie and Tendai Rinomhota as Rizzo, joined by Alex Christian as Doody, Josh Barnett as Roger, Inez Budd as Marty, Maeve Byrne as Jan, Marianna Neofitou as Frenchy, Corinna Powlesland as Miss Lynch and Cristian Zaccarini as Sonny.
There's not many shows with as many big, singalong songs as Grease and this is a production which gets everyone on their feet at the end, singing along with the 'megamix', led by Peter Andre with a sequined radio mic. This show will make you feel great and reaching for your leather jackets and poodle skirts.
Peter Andre won't appear at all performances - check when booking here
