Rydell High has hit London and has done it in style. Found in Evolution in Battersea Park the iconic movie has had the Secret Cinema treatment and Secret Cinema have gone all out, flipping their normal formula for this show.

As you arrive you enter into a fairground with the big wheel, the fun house and more rides straight out of the Grease finale. Dotted around is bars, food places and of course merchandise stands and you have the opportunity to explore this for around an hour until the film starts. The place is also filled with tight leather trousers, shiny pink jackets, leather jackets and other iconic looks from the film. The film itself starts on a large outdoor screen and you are ushered into the main area inside which is a sight to behold to continue the show.

Inside it is like the movie of Grease has come to life in one room. The area is designed by Tom Rogers and lit by Howard Hudson and within it there is a huge main stage which becomes Marty’s bedroom, the school gym for the dance and more but what makes it interesting is the other areas that line the sides. There is a Drive In for VIP guests to sit and watch the experience which looks from the front as if it is rows of cars with headlights flickering but also where ‘ Stranded at The Drive In,’ takes place, Frosty’s Palace which serves food and milkshakes throughout the show, the automobile shop, bleachers, picnic tables along with more food and drink concessions. You barely know where to look. At some points if you are the wrong end from the action it can be hard to see it all but there is so much happening that the action will soon move and be right in front of you and you can easily move around and get closer to the action whenever you want. The attention to detail is brilliant, even as you enter into the main room have a look at the posters in the hall, the honours board and more.

The film is shown on many huge screens inside but the main draw is the live performances that go on throughout the space. All of the songs are delivered live by the cast with a band and much of the dialogue from the film is also live. Whilst watching the film makes it look like it is slightly badly dubbed it is a testament to just how accurate it is. The use of space by the Secret Cinema cast is innovative and you never know where the cast will appear out of next and where they are going to. I must give credit to the stage management team that kept the show running so smoothly throughout.

The show is also billed as an immersive one and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, from competing at the dance at the gym to attending Marty’s sleepover. Priority is given to VIP Immersive ticket holders however there seemed to be opportunity to get involved if the numbers weren’t filled with these ticket holders. The pacing was also spot on and there were moments between numbers where the main action stopped out this gave you a chance to find a new space in the room, grab a drink or a seat without feeling like you were missing a vital part of the show.

The cast themselves were brilliant performers, not only were they able to capture the essence of their movie equivalent brilliantly but many of them were interacting with the audience throughout the show. Stephanie Costi was the perfect Sandy and with the help of a blonde wig bore more than a passing resemblance to Olivia Newton John as well as striking the perfect balance between sweet and innocent yet having a bit of fire in her. Liam Morris as Danny was equally balanced between loveable rouge, slightly goofy yet retained sex appeal throughout. The rest of the Pink Ladies and T-Birds also played their part wonderfully and a highlight was watching Frenchy, played by Gerardine Sacdalan interact with the audience during Beauty School Drop Out.

The cast all throw themselves into the choreography by Jennifer Weber which of course pays homage to the original choreography but also adds her own twist throughout to ensure it never feels predictable.

The biggest take away from the production is just what a feast for the sense it was and in turn how much fun it was. You can choose your own path and either throw yourself into getting involved with the cast as much as possible or sitting and watching from the bleachers, or as I did a bit of both.

Secret Cinema Grease – The Immersive Movie Musical will be enjoyed by those who are both hopelessly devoted to the show as well as those who want a fun night out and to do something a little different in London over the summer nights. I would say that there are worst things I could do than see the show but that would be an understatement. An innovative spectacle that gave me chills!!

Secret Cinema – Grease is on until the 7th September. You can find out more and book tickets here.

If you like this review of Secret Cinema Grease -The Immersive Movie Musical you might also like my review of The Great Gatsby, Evita and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.