Grease Review
May 24th – 27th 2023
This is one of my favourite musicals, and Pontypridd Theatre Company’s adaptation of the classic American High School musical kicks off this year’s entertainment at Taff’s Well Village Hall.
After its stage premiere in 1971, Grease has entertained audiences across the globe and is one of the world’s most popular musicals. This production is based on the original stage musical version, rather than the John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John 50s nostalgic movie.
After a brief summer romance, Sandy and Danny Zuko have a surprise reunion at Rydell High School. But in the world of teenage boy and girl cliques, is hot shot greaser, Danny too cool for ‘goody two shoes’ Sandy?
As I have come to expect from this relatively small theatre company, the cast is full with strong performers who bring the array of characters to life incredibly well. As the leading lady, Martha Morgan, is a delight as Sandy. Her stunning voice soars every time she opens her mouth and she gives a dynamic and endearing performance. Leader of the T Birds, Danny, is played excellently by Thomas Austin and is a mixture of cocky bravado and sometimes immature awkwardness, entirely convincing as a cool dude teenager confounded by his feelings. This is highlighted in the sorrowful number ‘Sandy’. Liam Paul Oram brings a dangerous edge to the testosterone-fuelled Kenickie, the rest of the T Birds, played brilliantly by Andrew Nancholas, Will Thomas and Kian Withey, help glue the gang together, with their predatory male behaviour, occasional flying fists and pelvic thrusts.
In amongst all the high powered stuff, Ro Roberts’ portrayal of Betty Rizzo is an absolute knock-out. Behind the bite of her razor sharp tongue, hip swaying sass and promiscuity, there is a real air of vulnerability, it’s almost impossible to take your eyes off her. Her enthralling heartfelt number “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” is a show stopper.
Tim Driscoll nails playing cheesy DJ Vince Fontaine, with his charm and smooth patter. The audience were in howls of laughter night after night, with his hilarious routine.
A smaller part this time round from chairperson, Leonitia Walters, as teacher Miss Lynch, who brought a smile to everyone’s face and let’s not forget the bashful Eugene, played by Elias Jones, prissy Patty Simcox, played by Olivia Jones and the rocking Johnny Casino, played by Stephen Christian Noonan!
Overall the whole cast played and delivered their parts to a high standard. The Pink Ladies, played by Hannah Daly, Abigail Tyler and Danielle Routledge, were both provocative and rebellious. The unsung heroes are always the chorus girls, in this case Taylor Walters and Emily Hughes, who both worked their socks off to give absolutely everything to the cause.
Probably the most touching part for me happened on the Friday evening show. A young lad was accompanied by his parents and he was a real fan of Grease. He came with his leather jacket, emblazed with the iconic T-Birds emblem. This youngster knew all the moves and couldn’t stop dancing. My colleague went back stage and arranged a photo-shoot with his heroes. What a finish to the night, absolutely amazing.
All in all then a huge success for the production team, a big round of applause to Liam Daly (Director) Tim Murray (Musical Director and Julie Hughes and Becki Manson (Choreographers). Let’s not forget the hard working stage crew, who seamlessly set the scenes to create the magic of theatre!
I would recommend this show to anyone, it is unfair to compare stage productions to films, they are like chalk and cheese. But this show was professionally put together and well worth the visit. Two nights were completely sold out and the other two shows were very close to that. All in all terrific entertainment at a local venue.
Mike Phillips (Chair)