REVIEW: Grease at Ferneham Hall, Fareham

Grease is a show which is eager to please '“ it's full of corny yet annoyingly catchy toe-tapping tunes, teenage angst,a bevy of pink ladies and the too-cool-for-school T-Birds '“ which all goes down a treat with the audience for South Downe Musical Society's lastest production.
Hannah Alii and Perry Ralls in rehearsal for Grease by SDMS at Ferneham HallHannah Alii and Perry Ralls in rehearsal for Grease by SDMS at Ferneham Hall
Hannah Alii and Perry Ralls in rehearsal for Grease by SDMS at Ferneham Hall

It’s 1959 and chick-magnet Danny Zuko is playing fast and loose with his summer fling, the unworldly Sandy who is alien to sex ,alcohol and ciggies and is being mocked by her more sophisticated Rydell High classmates. And it looks like Sandy is going to be a loser in love until she dons a sexy figure hugging outfit...

Hannah Ali gives an engaging performance as the naïve Sandy, her vocals are as clear as the school bell, while Perry Ralls is a mighty fine Danny.

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Kimberley Harvey is cracking as Betty Rizzo and Lauren Kempton makes a memorable Marty.

Also worthy of mention are Steve Reading and Alan Jenkins who are hilariously entertaining and full of joy as Teen Angel and slimy DJ Vince Fontaine.

The Born to Hand Jive number was energetic and simply sung with the staging simple yet effective, it was a nice touch extending the stage and bringing it outinto the audience.

The only disappointment for me was the finale – the huge end-of-year carnival scene from the film version is cut short.

But it was still a more than fitting tribute to one of musical theatre’s most enduring musicals.

Runs until Saturday.