Grease The Musical premiered on Broadway in 1972 and was nominated for seven Tonys. The subsequent film version, released in 1978 and famously bringing together John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, immortalised the musical forever.

On this occasion helmed by Curve’s artistic director, Nikolai Foster, and choreographed by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Philips, Grease is a family-friendly and fabulously feelgood show (although due to a few adult themes, it’s been recommended for audience members aged seven and older). But here’s a heads-up: this is the original version of the hit musical - not an adaptation of the iconic film. So if you’re expecting to see a mirror-image of the movie, you may feel disappointed.

Depicting working-class kids growing up on the Southside of 1950s Chicago, the show tells the love story of Danny and Sandy, who meet during the summer vacation, then recount very different versions of their heady romance to their peers when the new school year begins.

Having been unjustly rejected from a Catholic school, Sandy unexpectedly finds herself enrolled at Rydell High, which, unbeknown to her, is the same school that Danny attends. However, Sandy is left feeling bewildered and hurt when Danny snubs her to maintain his position as the tough leader of the Burger Palace Boys (changed to the T Birds for the screen version)...

One of the most evident ways in which this stage show differs from the film is with regard to the character of Sandy. Gone is well-to-do Sandy Olson, as played by Newton John in the movie. Instead, we meet working-class Sandy Dumbrowski, who befriends high-school gang the Pink Ladies before memorably and radically changing her image and reigniting her romance with Danny.

Hope Dawe plays Sandy as a strong, defiant and complex young woman rather than a ‘pretty rich girl’ falling for a guy from ‘the wrong side of the tracks’. This stage version of Sandy gives as good as she gets, but also struggles with her ‘good girl’ persona and the sexual awakening she experiences through meeting Danny (well played by Marley Fenton). The two lead characters have a great on-stage chemistry, each giving a strong and vibrant performance throughout.

Boasting all the rock & roll energy and high school rough’n’tumble you’d expect, the stage show’s storyline is much grittier than the film version’s. Whilst still featuring all the much-loved hits, including Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, and of course, You're The One That I Want, there’s also a selection of less familiar songs from the original Broadway version. With the off-stage band doing a brilliant job of capturing the excitement and emotion of the show’s best-known numbers, the talented and energetic cast further add to the production’s sparkle by virtue of their excellent vocals and impressive harmonies. The lighting, costumes and set also play a key role, helping to transport us back to a familiar version of 1950s America.

The brilliant choreography and electrifying performances - evident throughout the show but especially, for me, during Greased Lightnin’ - made for a memorable evening at the theatre last night. The finale was exuberant, with everyone on stage singing and dancing, and many appreciative audience members taking to their feet to join in the fun.

If the performance I attended is anything to go by, it’s fair to say that Grease is still very much The Word. 

4 stars

Grease was reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 16 July at The Alexandra, Birmingham, where it shows until Saturday 20 July.