Musical still the one that we want

“Grease”

(Palace Theatre, Manchester)

T-BIRDS and Pink Ladies can hand jive over to Manchester’s Palace Theatre to catch the touring production of “Grease”.

The classic stage-show was first performed off Broadway in 1972 but was turned into the hit film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in 1978.

Since then, the classic story of boy-meets-girl has remained a firm favourite with all ages, and this production is packed to the rafters with the catchy songs and high-energy dance routines that originally made it a hit.

Hitting the stage as Danny Zuko is Danny Bayne, who won ITV’s reality talent show “Grease is the Word” in 2007.

He performs his role with aplomb, using his natural comedy talent to complement his confident singing.

In the role of Sandy is Carina Gillespie, who plays the good girl persona well but comes alive as sexy Sandy in the last act.

Their fellow T Birds and Pink Ladies cope effortlessly with the demanding singing and acting, but the boys overshadow the girls in this production with their comic skits and heartfelt solos winning the gender wars, especially Derek Andrews as Roger.

Their rendition of “Greased Lightnin’’ is one of the highlights of the show — punchy, cheeky and full of fun, and epitomises the energy that runs throughout the whole production.

Surprise of the evening was former Olympic skater Robin Cousins MBE, who gave a pitch-perfect performance as the Teen Angel while charming the crowds with a cheeky wink and smile.

But all the performers do a great job, reminding the audience of why the show still has universal appeal and why “Grease” is still the one that they want.