Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical at Battersea Park
Grease is one of those campy, sing-along classics that continues to resonate with audiences across different generations. This is evidenced by the attendees at Evolution London in Battersea Park, with swathes of fans – young and old – decked out in replica Pink Lady ensembles and T-bird leather jackets to see Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical. Matt Costain’s production is a unique hybrid experience: part musical, part karaoke, part live-action movie. It’s indicative of the future of franchise participation media. This is not just a group of fans getting together to watch their favourite movie, but to experience it.
Visitors are first greeted by a funfair, complete with a Ferris wheel, duck pond games and a plethora of 1950s-style eateries. As part of Secret Cinema, the movie plays on large screens outdoors, while Rydell High is recreated in Battersea Park’s indoor area, which is where the live musical unfolds. Grease super-fans will relish the chance to visit Rydell High. The attention to detail is nothing short of impressive: in the main foyer, there are references to sports trophies and high school news, as well as a teachers’ lounge. A talented live band performs 1950s staples between scenes and before the performers take to the various indoor stages.
The actors embody the mannerisms of the iconic onscreen characters. As Danny, Liam Morris gets John Travolta’s swagger spot on, cigarette in quiff as he struts through the audience. Stephanie Costi masters Sandy’s unique mid-Pacific accent, and she and Morris sound flawless during their duets. Meanwhile, Lucy Penrose gives a scene-stealing turn as the legendary Rizzo. The moment in which she and her fellow Pink Ladies are wheeled into the venue on a giant candy-coloured satin bed for Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee is a kitsch delight.
There are pockets of interactivity, as the main cast and extras mingle with guests. Some audience members are even asked to join in with the cheerleading squad and Rizzo’s sleepover. While immersive, the production can come off as chaotic at times, and would perhaps prove overwhelming for those sensitive to sensory stimuli. With the actors lip-syncing to dialogue as the actual movie plays on screen, the effect it gives off is one of karaoke. Accordingly, this doesn’t always work, especially when the movie dialogue is out of sync, in turn adding to the chaos.
That said, the vibrant atmosphere is intoxicating and the commitment to its source material is admirable, no doubt winning over even the most cynical viewers. With its blend of jukebox musical, kitschy set design and a campy wink and a nod to the audience, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is a unique, multisensory experience like no other. This visit to Rydell will leave you on a high.
Antonia Georgiou
Photos: Courtesy of Secret Cinema
Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is at Battersea Park until 7th September 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical here:
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