Getting to watch Grease on stage is an injection of nostalgia for all involved, it's a show that most people are aware of in some form. The tale of young 1950's summer love that suddenly struggles to work when the two main characters battle against friendships and what they stand for. The woes of high school, growing up, and the unknown of the future.

When it comes to Grease, you have the die hard fans that remember it all the way back from the days of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John strutting across their screens, and the new fans who have been brought up on a soundtrack of “we go together” as their parents sing it across the kitchen. I lie somewhere in the middle, someone that loved the film and can play the soundtrack on repeat, but haven't quite introduced Max to it fully.

Grease the Musical is currently taking the UK by storm. This week it is heading to the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton stage, we couldn't wait to head to Rydell High and join in on the action. 

The one thing you need to know about this show is that it is mainly cast by a young and enthusiastic cast that packed a punch, and gave the show some much needed energy and reinvention. The energy that these young actors bring really gives a new lease of life into a script that has been done countless times over. 

The show might ruffle the feathers or die hard film fans due to the fact that they have shuffled around the soundtrack, cut and changed some classic songs and added in new ones. The show definitely sticks closer to the original stage production as opposed to the film rendition. Of course, the classic hits such as “Summer Nights”, “Greased Lightening” and “You’re the one that I want” are laced throughout the show, but other tracks are placed in positions that definitely threw some audience members. Personally, I thought it gave a fresh, new feel to the show and loved that I didn’t really know what I was going to expect on stage. 

Peter Andre was obviously the big name in the show, and he truly lived up to it as both the crooning DJ Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel. He did a brilliant job of adapting into two roles and seamlessly won over the crowd with ease. I personally loved Tendai Rinomhota who portrayed the role of Rizzo, showing soft and scathing, whilst giving off enough sass to perfectly epitomise the role. Paul French was also a major stand out as Kenickie, the rough and ready side kick to our leading man, he seemed to ooze attitude and had a real stage presence.

The whole cast did a brilliant job, and its testament to their energy, casting, choreography, and direction to see why everyone was up on their feet dancing by the end of the show.  With slick designs and seamless dancing, this version of Grease is going to stand the test of time. And it's one that you really should go and see if you want that injection of nostalgia, or just to brighten a summer night. 

You're the one that I want? And this show has it all! With mild references to adult themes, I would say it's more than suitable for families of older children (10+). It's a show that had Max tapping his toes, sat on the edge of his seat and singing the whole way home.