Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Grease

 
Joy Watters Review by Joy Watters 4 Published: 23 Jun 2025 Multiple Venues Show Dates: 18 Jun 2025-27 Sep 2025

There’s nothing like a large cast, seventeen in this case, giving it their all for the whole show to raise the spirits of an audience. The first production in the auditorium of the PFT season ranks 100 per cent on the energy meter in this co-production with Blackpool Grand Theatre.

It all bowls along with tremendous energy

Written in 1971, the musical Grease takes us back to those innocent days of 1950s teenage romance when a guy could invite someone round to his house for some Coke without anyone clarifying the substance.

Grease, the musical, by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, has gone on to be an enormous success with professional and amateur companies alike. The film of 1978 took it to an even wider audience.

At the centre of it all are bad boy Danny and good girl Sandy surrounded by their peers at Rydell High School all trying to navigate the ups and downs of angst-ridden teenage love.

Directed by Sam Hardie, this production excels musically as the cast of actor/musicians get right into that rock’n’roll vibe and ease into the ballads, from the title song to Summer Nights and You’re The One That I Want.

Musical director Richard Reeday has done it again! He has been delighting audiences at Pitlochry for several years with his arrangements, including the award-winning Carole King musical of last year.

The twist in Grease is that the good girl doesn’t tame the bad boy but squeezes into a pair of black leather trousers and tiny top to become his fantasy girl. Blythe Jandoo is a delight as Sandy, singing beautifully and going over to the dark side with ease. Alexander Service as Danny is less bad boy greaser than other productions but turns in a lovely conversion to nerdy athlete.

It all bowls along with tremendous energy as the audience is swiftly transported from school to the various venues aided by Rory Beaton’s dynamic lighting.

The set design (Nick Trueman) is rather puzzling as it seems to neglect the upper horizontal area of the stage. Nevertheless, this is a such a tonic for these troubled times. So head for the theatre in the hills.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Step into the electrifying world of 1950s Rydell High School and follow the whirlwind romance between new girl Sandy Dumbrowski and popular guy Danny Zuko, who find their summer love challenged by the pressures of teenage life. 

Join Sandy, Danny and the rest of Rydell High as they navigate the trials and tribulations of high school with their respective cliques—the sassy Pink Ladies and the greaser gang Burger Palace Boys—adding plenty of laughs, drama, and unforgettable musical moments along the way. With iconic songs like Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and You’re the One that I Want, this high-energy show promises a nostalgic journey full of rock ‘n’ roll flair. 

Bursting with a vibrant, dynamic, and talented company who capture the essence of teenage exuberance, rebellion and young love, this new version of the timeless classic is told with grit and verve capturing the idealism of the fifties, their dreams, desires and journeys of self-discovery. 

Grease is one of the world’s most popular musicals, and this fresh take on the story is sure to be the one that you want!