Review: Grease, at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
* * *

The night was all about the music. Even before curtain up, retro '50s songs greeted crowds to the theatre in preparation for a fun-packed night of slick moves.

Neon signs, pyrotechnics, special effects and the much-loved costumes gave all the razzle dazzle for a perfect Christmas show.

But fans of the film be warned, this production lacks the depth and many scenes from the iconic movie.

There's no car duel, songs are mixed into a different order and Sandy doesn't even go to the dance.

It makes some of the story not quite make sense, but then again, that came second place to the songs anyway.

Favourites in karaoke and '80s bars up and down the country, classics of Summer Nights and Grease Lightening raised cheers from an audience, featuring its own pink ladies on a night out.

Unusually, the only star of the show was former iceskater Robin Cousins playing Teen Angel with camp relish for his brief time on stage.

Despite its flaws, it was hard to keep a smile off my face and it was pure escapism.

There was even time for a finale with all the hits from the show before it ended at 9.50pm.

A fun night out.

* Until December 31.
www.alexandratheatre.org.uk