Gathered outside Richmond Theatre were an assortment of figures from the 1950s – complete with swirly skirts, mid-calf length capri pants, pert ponytails and a sea of pink wigs – even on the men. Everyone was laughing and happy and I was pleased that I had decided to take my daughter to her inaugural singalonga production of Grease.
Passing a couple of leather jacket clad T-Bird guys and one or two impressive Sandy’s in black, body skimming suits we were given our goodie bags and took our seats.
The audience was eclectic – there were a fair few groups of women (some mature but a fair number of younger folk), couples of all ages and even some families. Several of the kids were wearing bubble gum coloured silk “Pink Ladies” jackets. The atmosphere was totally upbeat and there was happy chatter and laughter all around us.
A host – dressed in pyjamas (from the sleepover scene) – came on stage and got us all up on our feet and practising key lines and moves to the most important songs. Some of the props in the goodie bag were explained to us and we were told how to respond when the various characters came on screen – pantomime fans alert!
Those in costume were invited onto the stage and naturally the youngest volunteers received the prizes. In the second row of characters we heard the news that one of them had just become engaged - The audience roared with approval.
And then we were off – up on our feet and singing along to the opening music. For each song the words were shown on screen, the disco lights swung into action and the audience participated heartily. It was impossible not to be caught up in the fun of it all and no-one minded the noise – after all, we’ve all seen the film so many times we practically knew it by heart.
Once “Beauty School Drop Out” was over, there was a short intermission where those who hadn’t arrived in costume could purchase a pink wig with the £3 going to a breast cancer charity.
The second half of the film played and by the closing songs everyone was singing and dancing away. We used our paper bags, tissues, balloons, chequered flags and party poppers with enthusiasm.
What a lovely way to spend a Sunday evening – and it certainly put us in a better mood as we walked back to the station still singing our favourite songs.
