Reviewed: Grease at Kilworth House Theatre

Kilworth House Theatre makes for a pleasant outdoor musical experience!

Kilworth House Theatre used to be one of the best kept secrets in Leicestershire. That is no longer the case. Kilworth's musicals have become the place to go on a warm summer evening for some time now.

The theatre is outdoors but don't worry: seating and stage are all under cover and the 550-seat auditorium is a thoroughly professional set up with bar area, generous and clean toilets, and cushions and blankets available to hire (because even the warmest of summer evenings can turn chilly once the sun has set). And, as a bonus, all seats have plenty of leg room. There is ample, well marshalled, free parking and a picnic area for those who choose to arrive early and snack before the show (you can even bring your own food).

Until early September, the show on offer is that family favourite, Grease. Starting out as a theatre production in 1971, enjoying an extended award-winning run on Broadway, and being turned into a cult classic film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in 1978, the modern version of the stage production incorporates songs written for the film into the original stage set list to give the audience the best of both worlds.

Director Ryan-Lee Seager, who has previously directed Grease at Curve, has an impressive cast at his disposal, many of who have made their mark in the West End. He manages to freshen up his production by turning to an interesting mix of stage and screen influences from previous incarnations.

Michael Nelson (Danny) and Lillia Squires (Sandy) both lean heavily on their screen counterparts; Julia Imbach (Rizzo) also reminds the audience of Stockard Channing's portrayal as the glue that ties the story together; while the supporting cast of T-birds and Pink Ladies all get their individual moment in the spotlight, as per the original theatre script. The singing is excellent throughout and it would be easy to forget that you are not sitting in London's West End enjoying the show.

In trying to keep the film version in mind, there are a couple of the lesser musical numbers that are omitted this time, with High School Hop scene very much favouring the film adaptation rather than the usual stage production (spoiler alert: no, Sandy doesn't miss the Hop with a bad cold). Most of you will be familiar with Grease by now, in one form or another, and you won't be disappointed with this offering, I promise.

If you have never been to a production at Kilworth House Theatre, then it is definitely recommended. There are plenty of helpful staff around to guide you to picnic area, seating, bar, or toilets. Do take a coat or sweatshirt with you for later in the evening but you don't have to worry about getting out of the packed car park – there are more than enough marshals to direct traffic without everyone having to try to push into line. Plus, the location, on the A4304 between Lutterworth and Market Harborough, means that the main road is usually quiet enough around 10pm to ensure a swift exit.

Just remember, Grease is the one that you want!

See Grease at Kilworth House Theatre until September 7.