Reg Little takes his daughters to the Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe, for a rocking night of fun and familiar songs
It went down a storm at the Oxford Apollo in November. Now for those really struck on Greased Lightnin' - or who missed out on this glorious rock 'n' roll celebration - it's time to cruise down the M40 to the Wycombe Swan. This touring version of Grease is now really firing on all cylinders. And although the musical is not far short of its 30th birthday, it's never been cooler.
My six-year-old daughter, Anna, and her friends will sit unmoved as S Club 7 and Steps are played at birthday parties. Put on Summer Nights or You're The One That I Want and the place is immediately a madhouse, as deliriously happy arm-waving girls give word perfect renditions of Grease favourites.
The show keeps Steven Houghton, of London's Burning fame, as Danny Zuko, now well fitted into the Cuban-heeled boots and bringing roars of delight with every rearrangement of his six-inch Teddy Boy quiff.
Best of all he belts out the songs with an easy confidence, to prove beyond any doubt that he's far from being another soap star taking a break from the studio. The boy can sing.
So can Irene Warren as Sandy, who seems to have worked her way through all the West End's biggest musicals including Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and Starlight Express.
Perfect as the innocent target of Danny's affections, only when she re-emerges as the transformed leather clad temptress does she slightly disappoint - at least those of us who can never be entirely free of Olivia 'Neutron Bomb' in her prime.
But the real bonus of this sparkling production is the quality of the supporting cast.
Nicola Jane Filshie as Frenchy is the pick of the raunchy Pink Ladies gang, while Paul Burnham makes a wonderfully oily DJ Vince Fontaine.
There was a full house on Monday for what is still the best party in town. Don't miss out again. Grease is the word at the Swan until February 3. For tickets call the box office on 01494 512000.
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