Pip Gorringe has a night out with the world’s favourite fifties musical.
Grease may be the word, but at The Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall this week, the word was brilliant. Tudor Musical Comedy Society’s latest production revved its engines and delivered a high-octane performance that was slicker than Kenickie’s hair and shinier than Danny Zuko’s leather jacket.
Director Juliet Fisher steered this iconic show with confidence, balancing nostalgia with fresh energy. Connie Mortiboy’s choreography was nothing short of electrifying – ensemble numbers like We Go Together and Born to Hand Jive had the audience itching to join in. Musical Director Andrew Timmins kept everything pitch-perfect, with the band driving the energy throughout.
The cast were a joy from start to finish. Elliot Scott-Lolley was the perfect Danny Zuko – charming, swaggering and every inch the T-Bird. Opposite him, Mia Davies made a delightful Tudor debut as Sandy, capturing the sweetness of the role while adding her own edge that made the final transformation a real showstopper.
Charlotte Raybould’s Rizzo was a true stand-out and my personal favourite character of the evening. Her solo was delivered with such raw emotion it became the highlight of the night. Meanwhile, Samantha Rogers as Marty and Eloise Tanley as Jan completed the Pink Ladies with flair (and wow, what a voice on Jan!), and Emily Loftus was wonderfully cast as Frenchy – funny, warm and instantly likeable.
Among the T-Birds, Dan McCloskey as Kenickie revved up the laughs, James Rowney’s Doody charmed with youthful enthusiasm, and Alex Tuckwell’s Sonny brought cheeky humour to the gang. Together they created a brotherhood that felt authentic and fun.
Billy Skinner’s Eugene was delightfully nerdy, and Maria McGarrigle’s Patty was so annoyingly enjoyable you couldn’t help but grin at every prance and squeal. Jo Browning played a perfectly strict Miss Lynch, while Charlene Payton as the receptionist had the audience in stitches with her comic expressions.
Mike Willis doubled up as smooth-talking Vince Fontaine and Johnny Casino, adding sparkle to both roles, while Janine Revell’s Cha-Cha DiGregorio was fiery and fabulous. And special mention must go to Mark Welch as Teen Angel, who delivered his number with heavenly charm.
A big shout out must go to the Principal Dancers – Bethany Davis, Hannah Chave, Hannah Dugmore, Jess Brisband, Libby Gilbert and Paige Howen – who not only drove up the energy of the show but their timing and grace was impeccable, adding a touch of sex appeal to every number!
All in all, Tudor Musical Comedy Society gave us a Grease that was fast, funny and full of heart. The ensemble numbers were pure dynamite, the dancing was tight, and the cast’s joy was infectious. This was a night of musical theatre that truly deserved a standing ovation – because, quite simply, it was the one that we wanted!
Grease is playing all this week until Saturday 27th Sept at The Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall – and if you’re lucky, there may be a few tickets left – get them here.
