Grease The Musical - Wigston Amateur Operatic Society Review

Reviewed by Mark Johnson
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.

After a hit production of Ghost the Musical in 2023, Wigston Amateur Operatic Society (WAOS) return to The Little Theatre in Leicester with the cult hit Grease the Musical. 

The Grease company. Photo by Sarah Varnam

Sarah Varnam returns to direct this fun production that hits the right beats. The cast and crew have clearly had a good time bringing the show to life and that shows on the stage. 

At the heart of this story of teenage emotions in Senior year at school. Central to this is Danny (Gaz Hunt) and newcomer to the school Sandy (Jenna Leigh). Their will they-won’t they romance carries through and the connection between Hunt and Leigh is there. Leigh is a tremendous performer and formidable leading lady with a show-stopping voice whilst Hunt packs lots of charm into his Danny.

At Rydell High, we meet The Burger Palace Boys, where Danny is the leader and the Pink Ladies.  Although much like the Grease film you do have to dispel what age these characters are meant to be. Here begins the tale of teenage emotions with love and friendship at the core.

Undoubtedly the strongest performances come from the ladies. Katie Wilson has a ball as Rizzo, delivering both fierce and raunchiness. Her vocals are brilliant in the solo 'Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee'. Nick Wilkins as Kenickie does a fair job with matching Wilson to make a strong on-stage pairing.

Katie Proctor sasses it up well as Marty whilst Lucy Foreman is endlessly light and fun as Jan, who eats about everything in her way. Emily Woodall is a sweet and lovely Frenchy, making her will-they-wont-they relationship with Zach Varnam's Doody pay off. As an audience you feel right on side with Foreman and Woodall’s characterisations. Jacob Bale’s Roger and Jay Kenney’s Sonny complete The Burger Boys group.

Photo by Sarah Varnam.

Sophie Brown brings lots of energy to Patty and is a terrific dancer whilst David Jackson packs a decent vocal as Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel. Ben Bromley thrives as the geeky Eugene packing in the humour.

A strong, but sometimes overpacked ensemble adds impact to the company numbers. Lyd Rushton's choreography is well thought out and delivered. There's some neat use of British Sign Language that is impactful and maybe could have been used more. There are some really strong dancers in the company. 

Having a live band is impactful in making the musical numbers come alive. With musical direction by Katie Bale leading the 7-piece orchestra which makes a toe-tapping sound. The soundtrack features many iconic numbers such as 'Greased Lightning', 'Summer Nights' and 'You're The One That I Want' and with a live band, you can't go wrong.

The scenic design uses the space well with the props and lighting adding impact. The use of projection is clever in adding to both locating scenes and adding more feeling to what is being staged at that moment.

Grease is ultimately a musical about teenage feelings, love and friendship. It's that friendship and love of performing that really comes across as you sit and watch this production. Here is a truly dedicated company of people who have given their all to bring this production to life. Both on stage and off have created a production that brings a bit of happiness to all, you can't ask for more than that. 

Grease The Musical plays at The Little Theatre in Leicester until Saturday 25th May. Tickets are completely sold out but the theatre has a waiting list. Visit https://www.thelittletheatre.co.uk/ for more information.

Jenna Leigh as Sandy. Photo by Sarah Varnam.