Well, seeing as this is one of the most iconic shows ever produced, I don’t think there is much point in my writing a synopsis of this except to say, “Welcome to Rydell”!
This is actually by way of a swansong for many of the seniors at NK as a large number will be leaving to go onto further education, whether in the musical theatre forum or in alternative areas of study. I am proud to say that I have followed the journey that many of these young performers have been on for the past 12 years plus and have seen them grow from little 5-year-olds to super confident performers who have developed into outstanding young men and women who all have an amazing stage presence. A nice touch was the section of the programme devoted to the memories of the leavers, where they could each come up with a potted biography of their time at NK. It is very poignant for me that I can myself remember most of their first memories of NK dating back to when they first started.
Anyway, back to Grease! Once again Hannah Thomas has managed to pull off an amazing production drawing on the huge depth of talent at her disposal. With choreography and musical direction by Amy Earith, ably assisted by Georgia Goodwin (2 more who have progressed through the NK ranks), how they managed to co-ordinate the number of people on the stage at any one time was nothing short of breathtaking. On numerous occasions there must have been nearly 30 dancers on the stage and they all did a great job – too many for me to name individually.
The obvious stars of the show were the 4 lead performers playing the roles of Sandy, Danny, Rizzo and Kenickie. Sam Hardman as Danny Zucko gave the performance of his life. He also took on the role of the Teen Angel – as if he hadn’t got enough to do. His interaction with the audience was worthy of a performer twice his age and he led the other members of the cast throughout the show. In all the shows I have seen him do over the years I have never been as impressed with his stage presence as I was in this show. Colby Voss as Kenickie made the character his own and his leading the performance of Greased Lightning was superb.
And what can I say about Megan Voss and Olivia Barton as Sandy and Rizzo respectively. I’ve said on previous occasions that when these two young ladies are on stage together, something magical happens and I stand by that. In all the years that I have been associated with NK I cannot think of many young ladies who can compare with the talent of these two. Singing, dancing, acting, they have it all between them. Their individual numbers in the show were outstanding. Olivia singing “Look at me I’m Sandra Dee” and particularly “There are worse things I could do” were spellbinding. Megan as Sandy had numerous solo performances but her version of “Hopelessly devoted to you” actually had me in tears I’m not ashamed to say.
There are others in the cast who deserve what I will call an honourable mention. Joe Simpson, Montague Fairfield and Finn Derbyshire as the T-Birds and Macy Sproston, Maddie Bates (great singing on “Freddie my love”) and Emily Fahy as the Pink Ladies all did extremely well in their scenes. Immy Sadler as the irrepressible Patty, Lily Robb as dancer Cha-Cha, Jack Nutall as the smooth Vince Fontaine, an unrecognisable Amy Earith as Miss Lynch (one of many examples as what a wig can do!) and who else could play the nerdy Eugene but Jack Findlow, great casting.
I have had the pleasure of viewing many NK junior musical performances over the years and this ranks right up there amongst the best of them. Congratulations to all involved including the backstage staff who often go unrecognised, but whose contribution enhanced this production. A fitting end to an era which I cannot give anything but 5 stars.
Reviewer: David S Clarke
Reviewed: 11th July 2026
North West End UK Rating: