'Grease' is without a doubt one of the world's most loved musicals, spawning several hit movies (including 'Grease' starring John Travolta and Oliva Newton John), many stage revivals, and a soundtrack that just about anybody could sing along to. Written by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs, 'Grease' originally opened in Chicago in 1971 with such glowing reviews that the musical was moved first to an off-Broadway location in New York, and then to the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway - all within a year of it's original opening! The production was so successful that it had to move again to the Royale Theatre and later to the Majestic Theatre - all in order to keep up with the demand for shows and seats. In 1973 'Grease' opened on the West End at the New London Theatre, with Richard Gere starring in the lead role as Danny. Later revivals on the West End featured such stars as Tracey Ullman and Craig McLachlan, and the musical has effectively become one of the mainstays of London theatre.
The 'Grease' story begins with the start of the 1959 school year, with the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies - the two 'cool' groups at Rydell High - discussing the reasons they dislike having to return to school after a long summer break. New girl Sandra Dumbrowski is trying to figure out where she fits in in the school's social strata, but her summer vacation fling with Danny Zuko, the handsome leader of the T-Birds, makes her of particular interest to the Pink Ladies. In the cast-inclusive song, 'Summer Nights', the Pink Ladies pump Sandy for gossip, whilst the T-Birds laugh at Danny's most recent conquest. Although Sandy is eager to meet up with Danny again, when they finally see each other Danny pretends he isn't interested. A few days later, Danny and Sandy cross paths again, and this time Danny tries to apologise for his previous snub. Sandy is shocked and upset to hear that Danny has been boasting about how 'far' he got with her over the summer, and is even more disappointed when cheerleader Patty Simcox interrupts their conversation to tease Danny about his long string of girlfriends. Sandy becomes even more frustrated with Danny when she realizes that he is only avoiding her so he can seem 'cool' to his friends, and she regrets having ever been nice to him.
At the much anticipated High School Hop dance, at which popular radio DJ Vince Fontaine is the MC, Danny wins the dance competition with bad girl Cha-Cha DeGregorio whilst Sandy stays at home and laments her sad situation. Although Cha-Cha is more than happy to be in Danny's arms, Danny secretly pines for Sandy and decides to take up athletics to win back her affections. Whilst Danny gets involved in his training he is unaware that the T-Birds have been challenged to a fight with Cha-Cha's boyfriend and his gang, and instead concentrates all his attention on winning back Sandy. He takes her on a date to the drive-in theatre, only to scare her off again by trying to force her to go further than she is comfortable with. On the same night, Rizzo, one of the Pink Ladies, reveals to her friends that she thinks she might be pregnant by T-Birds member Kenickie, but she rejects all offers for help. Sandy is once again made to feel that she doesn't fit in as Rizzo emphatically refuses her assistance, and she begins to wonder if she can make a more radical transformation. The next day, Sandy turns up looking completely different - gone are the preppy clothes and tame hair-cut and in their place are tight clothes and frizzed hair. Danny is astounded and declares his undying love to her. At the same moment Rizzo announces that she is not pregnant after all, and the entire cast unite to sing 'We Go Together'.
Throughout it's history, 'Grease' has remained one of the most popular West End shows, having been revived four times since it's initial opening. Most recently 'Grease' has re-opened at the Piccadilly Theatre and, judging by the consistent sell-outs, will continue to show for a long time to come. The current London cast includes Danny Bayne as Danny, Nicola Brazil as Sandy, Natalie Langston as Rizzo and Stuart Ramsay as Kenickie. 'Grease' theatre tickets are available from the box office for as little as £20.00 (for a single seat in the Grand Circle), though it is advisable to book ahead if you are planning to attend as a large group.