Grease

Oooh, Danielle Hope! That's a nice bit of casting.

I'm sorry, Danielle who?

I definitely would not refer to Danielle as a musical theatre legend. She is a slightly bland but decent performer.

Anyone seen this yet? Thinking of picking up a cheap ticket for Friday when I move back to Oxford - tempted by Danielle Hope and by the fact I'm not aware of any complaints about Tom Parker yet...

I did end up seeing this in Oxford - you're bang on, Danielle is excellent but Tom is quite poor. He doesn't act at all and just about manages with the vocals but isn't particularly strong. The girl playing Rizzo (can't remember her name, sorry) acts well but needs a bit more oomf in her voice. Ensemble are brilliant though, particularly the T-Birds - Kenickie and Doody are particularly notable for their amazing vocals. The show is pure cheese, with choreography to match, but that's kinda what I expected from Grease. I'm glad I saw it as it was really good fun and did actually have moments where the show was very strong, but I wouldn't hurry back unless someone good was cast as Danny.

Both really good - I knew she was a good belter after seeing her as Eponine, but she showed off a really beautiful and controlled head voice in Hopelessly Devoted. Some solid acting in Sandra Dee reprise, clearly trying to bring the best interpretation out of the slightly dodgy 'I'm going to change myself so the boy likes me' plot, plus a nice 'let it rip' moment towards the end.

My only comparison here is the movie, so if you've seen the stage version a lot you may have a different opinion, but I thought she was really excellent.

Okay so Grease, hmm. Had a super fun evening, it's a show that goes way back for me that I performed in as a child (a very short-lived career I hasten to add!) so it was really nice to see it on stage again.

However, what on earth was the Casting Director thinking?! Tom Whatshisface from Generic Boyband #426 was just terrible. Absolutely terrible. Could barely sing, could not act and definitely couldn't dance. So so disappointed in him. Entirely outshone by the chap playing Kenickie, who should without a doubt have been Danny.

Louisa Lytton wasn't much better either to be honest. Her acting was passable but her singing weak, with many of her notes cut short. She actually sounded a little poorly so maybe she isn't well.

Danielle Hope I thought was brilliant. Really shone as Sandy. I think she contributed to making the weaker cast members look weaker by virtue of being so strong herself. Her Sandra Dee Reprise and Hopelessly Devoted were both quite sublime. Hope she goes on to bigger and better things.

The supporting cast were great, full of energy and clearly enjoying themselves.

Three star show, four star evening, helped by the fact that I went in actively wanting to enjoy myself.

Who's meant to be taking over from Darren Day as Teen Angel do we know? He finishes this week. I know Gary Lamont does Glasgow but that's his only venue

I see Gabriella Williams went on as Sandy this week
- she was the standout for me as Patty when I went in Manchester. Wish I could've seen her on as Sandy.


(Hello, btw, new to the forum )

We're going to have to name this place DanBoard soon.

It is one heck of a name.