Secret Cinema: Grease
Review by Sam
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The masters of immersive theatre are back after a three-year-long hiatus with a musical adaptation that's a radical departure from their usual productions but remains as lightning as ever... How about we tell you about it, stud.
Evolution London has been transformed into Rydell High, for a highly innovative and fully immersive experience of the cult classic musical megahit. As with all productions, audiences are encouraged to dress up for the most immersive of cinematic experiences, and Grease is no exception. As you approach the grounds of Rydell, the leather jackets and pink scarfs start appearing in their multitudes as the crowd become integral to the experience, in one of Secret Cinema's most accessible experience to date.
The company's traditional formula of free-roam immersion followed by an interactive screening has been reimagined as a fully immersive experience from the get-go, with cast acting scenes and performing songs live alongside the film itself. Whilst the synchronisation to visuals is highly impressive, it’s Jennifer Weber's choreography and Tom Roger's Production Design which stands tall. Mixing choreography from the film with original set pieces, Weber energetically transports audiences for each jaw-dropping number. 'Grease Lightning' and 'Born to Hand Jive' are notable standouts which had the crowd jumping to their feet to dance, clap and sing-along with this incredible ensemble. We were sat in the VIP area in Frosty's Palace, which meant our view for 'Beauty School Dropout' was particularly memorable!
Whilst the audience interaction leans more towards the theatrical nature of the experience, the interactivity is not quite what fans of Secret Cinema have come to expect with previous productions. This is both a positive and a negative depending on the type of experience you are wanting, however as a value for money immersive theatrical production, the show succeeds in its excess!
Grease is one of the most enjoyable nights out you'll have all year. You'll instantly step into the world of the T-Birds & Pink Ladies in a production which much like Summer Loving, will have you a blast!