“Grease” remains the quintessential boy-meets-girl tale, brimming with teenage drama and longing. For those familiar with the 1978 film, there’s an element of novelty with some unfamiliar tunes adding a fresh twist to the beloved story, although the stage version actually predates the movie by seven years.

While Nikolai Foster’s production successfully captures the nostalgic vibes many come for, the vocal performances occasionally fall short tonight, with a few strained notes and overdone accents preventing it from reaching the heights of a spectacular performance.

Marley Fenton’s portrayal of Danny is both charming and energetic. His chemistry with Sandy (Hope Dawe) strengthens as the show progresses, and his solo numbers, like “Sandy,” showcase his vocal range and emotional depth.

Dawe brings an earnest energy to Sandy, evolving from the sweet, naïve girl next door to a confident young woman. Her transformation is visually and emotionally impactful, especially during the final scenes.

Rebecca Stenhouse’s Rizzo is tetchy and brutally harsh at times, her only moment of vulnerability emerging in her rendition of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”.

Kenickie’s (Ben Nicholas) performance of “Greased Lightning” is a definite crowd-pleaser and one of the standout moments of the show.

The ensemble, incorporating the Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies, really gel together, delivering strong performances. Each member brings their own flair, particularly in group numbers like “Summer Nights” and “We Go Together.”

The cast’s energy is infectious, and Arlene Phillips’ choreography is a true highlight.

While Grease is undeniably a nostalgic trip down memory lane, appealing to audiences with its catchy tunes and retro charm, the plot’s casual approach to gender roles and relationships can feel outdated today. The storyline wraps its casual misogyny in cute outfits and fun songs, which may pass unnoticed by some, but others might find it problematic. Danny’s lack of growth and Kenickie’s questionable behaviour are glossed over with Sandy’s sudden transformation and Rizzo’s resolution, leaving the conclusion feeling a bit too convenient. While updating classic media can be tricky, a little more effort from the male characters could have added more depth to the resolution. Sandy’s transformation into her iconic leather outfit is undeniably striking, but it’s a bit disheartening that Danny doesn’t show a reciprocal effort to change for her.

In summary, “Grease” delivers the fun and nostalgia fans expect, though it may leave some hoping for a bit more substance beneath the catchy tunes and retro charm. However, the enthusiasm from the audience is palpable, proving that “Grease” still resonates and that no matter the level of talent on stage, there’s always a pathetic someone in the audience who thinks their karaoke version is superior!

Grease is at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until 31st August,  https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/grease/