The excitement was palpable in a crowded Shanklin Theatre as we eagerly awaited TheatreTrain’s latest show: the stage itself indicated the effort which has gone into this production, with its upstage steps and platform, bright ‘Rydell High’ sign lit up and a diner set stage left. All it needed was the cast……and on came the cheerleaders, singing the school anthem for Miss Lynch who was accompanied by Patty and Eugene, every teacher’s dream students….unlike the T-Birds and Pink Ladies and the rebels who then took the stage and subverted the lyrics of the song to tell us what they thought of their ‘Alma Mater’. The contrast between the pieces and the sheer enthusiasm of the singing and dancing engaged the audience immediately. Evie Fuller was the perfect Miss Lynch: prim and proper (although Evie also showed off some great dance moves in the ensemble) while Taylor Webber Tippins and Thomas Gatcum were well cast as the two ‘goody-goodies’ who act as foils to the gangs.

And step forward the Pink Ladies, who we met having lunch. Each one established her character immediately, from Jan’s constant eating to Rizzo’s superior sneer, and each took her turn in the spotlight as the show progressed. Equally, the T-Birds amused us at once, as was saw Sonny, played by Noah Dorning, whose dancing skills were also very much in evidence, quail under the glare of Miss Lynch as Roger and Doody mocked him. And the scene also introduced us to the main characters, Sandy and Danny, and led into the first of several very familiar songs, ‘Summer Nights’ which showcased the talents of both gangs.

Marty’s moment came in the Pajama Party scene as, played with aplomb by Olivia Hughes, she belted out ‘Freddie My Love’ brilliantly, backed by the Pink Ladies – apart from Sandy who was throwing up after having one ear pierced at the time…. Similarly, Lucy Peckham as Frenchy, bemoaning her failure to succeed at beauty school, was accompanied by a well-choreographed group of silver-roller-coiffed hairdressing ‘victims’ as she was serenaded by Alfie Stringer’s Teen Angel in ‘Beauty School Dropout’. As Rizzo, Orla Gibbins displayed her powerful yet plaintive voice in ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ which momentarily allowed us to empathise with the sad girl behind her hard exterior.

One of my favourites was actually a lesser known song, ‘Mooning’, performed by Ember Sunnucks and Crystal-Rose Griffiths playing Roger and Jan, both of whom demonstrated great comedy talent as well as skilful dance moves, in that song and indeed throughout the show.

The other T Birds also came into their own at various points: as is traditional in all productions other than the famous film, Greased Lightning showcased the vocal skills not of Danny but of Livie-Mai Wallace as Kenickie, as well as the visual delight of the car previously to be seen on TV in ‘Strictly’ – although despite its fame the car did not upstage the performers! ‘Those Magic Changes’ featured Doody, played by Logan Haywood, with his guitar. Another highlight was the ensemble ‘Born To Handjive’ in the dance scene, which also showcased the talents of Kiera Joy as ChaCha. Here and in other scenes Jake Eastman shone as the overenthusiastic and voluble DJ Vince Fontaine.

But of course, we all know Grease belongs to Sandy and Danny, and Florence Bellamy and Freddie Holme respectively showed they had been well cast by turning in great acting, dancing and singing performances, notably in Sandy’s ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ which showcased Florence’s lovely singing voice and Danny’s ‘Oh Sandy’, delivered with heartfelt angst. Together they shone in ‘You’re The One That I Want’.

It was however fitting that both acts ended with ‘We Go Together’ featuring the whole cast, because the ensemble is such an integral feature of the show that they do indeed all go together superbly, and the show is at its best when it is filled with the dancing and singing talents of this amazing bunch of young performers, whose talents have been maximised by the adult creative team who are to be congratulated. It has to be said that a second cast will be performing two of the four shows and although I have sadly not had the chance to see them, I am sure they are every bit as good as this cast. Another great show from TheatreTrain – and I look forward to the next one!!

As I write, there are still two more chances to see this great show tomorrow (Sunday 9th July) – so what are you waiting for? Get yourself down to Shanklin Theatre and enjoy!