Go like Greased Lighting to catch this superb show

Most people will already know the story of the two high school sweethearts played in the original film by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

In this Calder Valley Youth Theatre production, Reece Raymond plays heart throb Danny Zuko and Isla Harkness plays the innocent Sandy Dumbrowski.

From the opening number of ‘Rydell Alma Mater’ to the ever popular ‘Greased Lightning’ and the classic ‘Summer Nights’ right through to the final number ‘You’re the one that I want’, the fantastically talented cast of children aged from 11 to 19 danced and sang like they had been performing this famous show for years.

The show was full of fun and plenty of youthful energy. The catchy tunes transferred well from the silver screen to the live stage, with each given a huge dose of exuberance and zest. Every character was delivered with aspiring confidence which would have given any professional company a run for its money.

All but five of the cast of nearly 30 have been performing with Calder Valley Youth Theatre for many years, some since they were only eight years old.

The production team of director Abigail Sheldrake, musical director David Mitchell and choreographer Debbie Barker have worked together on most of the recent Calder Valley Youth Theatre shows including ‘West Side Story’ and last year’s triumph, ‘Cats’.

The choreography was hugely imaginative. Each cast member successfully combined complex dance routines with faultless three and four part harmonies which has become synonymous with CVYT productions.

The musical direction is always entertaining to watch with David Mitchell at the helm. He moves around as much as the cast do, even while playing the drums and keeping time.

‘Grease’ runs until Saturday at Halifax Playhouse.