Now this performance was automatic... It was systematic, hydromatic… It was Greased Lightning!
Once again, Heathfield Community College put on its annual Christmas spectacular. This year’s performance was an energetic, fun-filled extravaganza that the students of all ages from the college brought to the stage. From newcomers in Year Seven to the older Sixth Formers, each and every member of the cast brought great energy and fantastic ability to the stage.
The unique opening to the show took a multimedia and creative approach to "Grease is the Word" by using a music video of the cast members within the college to bring the High-School element to the production. Alongside this, the harmonised and bright vocals of the company brought smiles onto every watching face. Already it had a lot of people bopping in their seats to the funky, recognisable tune from the show. With speedy scene changes, organised lighting and great-timed sound on the technical-side, it helped capture the aura and emotions that needed to be emphasised on-stage that acting alone couldn't express.
Choreography by students Tilly Flitter and Amber Parker-Read was outstanding, especially surrounding "Born to Hand Jive" with the high-rising lifts and overall very 60s' jive-feel to it. It really set the scene of the dance numbers, sharply performed by all the dancers present. All participants looked so ecstatic and energised, and the audience loved it.
Designed by the school's own Carnival Club, the set made the production look amazing as well as the performers. The T-Birds were all decked out in black with the familiar logos, what with the girls in the famous "Pink Ladies" jackets, it was established very quickly who was who. The iconic bad-boys the T-Birds were back in town, and boy did they shine. With characters clear and unique coming from all of them, they were entertaining and humorous. Louis King-Cox as Kenickie blew the audience away with a fabulous rendition of Greased Lightning. With the backup of the other guys, they really revved up the speed and desire that needed to fuel the song, with harmony and timing punctual and sharp. Ryan Buss was superb as Doody, who not only created "Those Magic Changes", but performed beautifully. Oscar Stanforth as Roger showing off the low and mid-range notes passionately and clearly in "Mooning" in the comical but overall sweet number, assisted by Alex Thompson, whose excellent tone and range complimented his character's purpose. Ben Barden stood out for comedy, portraying Sonny, and keeping the audience in stitches.
The Pink Ladies were equally impressive, Adelaide Barden put in a mind-blowing performance as Rizzo, particularly in "There are Worse Things I could Do" with her vocal ability soaring over the audience. Her powerful vocals really left the watchers on the edge of their seats, with tense lyrics and a passionate soul. Hattie Pemberton took the character of Frenchie sassily; playing it more cooler and collected, which stood out from every other performance I'd seen, so I loved the uniqueness she brought to the stage. Marty's solo of "Freddy My Love" was smooth and distinct. Her accent was convincing, and her voice was extremely projecting and passionate.
But what would Grease be without Danny and Sandy?
As for the bad boy himself, Danny Zuko was portrayed very powerfully by Luke Cole, who really brought a hint of John Travolta-style, but performed the character in his own way. Vocally, he had a great voice with a cool tone which was a great addition to his duet in "You're the One that I Want." Dani Fenn played the role of Sandy brillantly, evidently showing the emotions that Sandy embodies, and presenting her big change from innocent angel to cool chick. Her solo of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" was full of emotion and passion - a stunning voice and performance.
Others that stole the performance away includes James Jenkins, who jammed out "Born to Hand Jive" and brought the slick vocals to that number. His performance as Teen Angel was performed with integrity which left me shocked and thrilled by high notes that ended the chilled number. Chris Evans as Eugene really brought the nerdy classic character in the musical, and brought some hilarious moments to the show. Not forgetting to mention comedy king Alex Todd as the recurring cameo of Vince Fontaine.
But an extra mention must go straight into the pit of the band, who really outdid themselves in sound and style, directed by Ms Evenden. The band blasted the songs out loud and clear, in tune all the way and with an amazing sound from start to finish with no let-downs.
Once again the school production was a superb success, and all praise is due to Mr Richardson and Mrs Stone for fantastic directing that really made the performance fantastic! Can’t wait for next year!
Lauren Smith, Year 12
The unique opening to the show took a multimedia and creative approach to "Grease is the Word" by using a music video of the cast members within the college to bring the High-School element to the production. Alongside this, the harmonised and bright vocals of the company brought smiles onto every watching face. Already it had a lot of people bopping in their seats to the funky, recognisable tune from the show. With speedy scene changes, organised lighting and great-timed sound on the technical-side, it helped capture the aura and emotions that needed to be emphasised on-stage that acting alone couldn't express.
Choreography by students Tilly Flitter and Amber Parker-Read was outstanding, especially surrounding "Born to Hand Jive" with the high-rising lifts and overall very 60s' jive-feel to it. It really set the scene of the dance numbers, sharply performed by all the dancers present. All participants looked so ecstatic and energised, and the audience loved it.
Designed by the school's own Carnival Club, the set made the production look amazing as well as the performers. The T-Birds were all decked out in black with the familiar logos, what with the girls in the famous "Pink Ladies" jackets, it was established very quickly who was who. The iconic bad-boys the T-Birds were back in town, and boy did they shine. With characters clear and unique coming from all of them, they were entertaining and humorous. Louis King-Cox as Kenickie blew the audience away with a fabulous rendition of Greased Lightning. With the backup of the other guys, they really revved up the speed and desire that needed to fuel the song, with harmony and timing punctual and sharp. Ryan Buss was superb as Doody, who not only created "Those Magic Changes", but performed beautifully. Oscar Stanforth as Roger showing off the low and mid-range notes passionately and clearly in "Mooning" in the comical but overall sweet number, assisted by Alex Thompson, whose excellent tone and range complimented his character's purpose. Ben Barden stood out for comedy, portraying Sonny, and keeping the audience in stitches.
The Pink Ladies were equally impressive, Adelaide Barden put in a mind-blowing performance as Rizzo, particularly in "There are Worse Things I could Do" with her vocal ability soaring over the audience. Her powerful vocals really left the watchers on the edge of their seats, with tense lyrics and a passionate soul. Hattie Pemberton took the character of Frenchie sassily; playing it more cooler and collected, which stood out from every other performance I'd seen, so I loved the uniqueness she brought to the stage. Marty's solo of "Freddy My Love" was smooth and distinct. Her accent was convincing, and her voice was extremely projecting and passionate.
But what would Grease be without Danny and Sandy?
As for the bad boy himself, Danny Zuko was portrayed very powerfully by Luke Cole, who really brought a hint of John Travolta-style, but performed the character in his own way. Vocally, he had a great voice with a cool tone which was a great addition to his duet in "You're the One that I Want." Dani Fenn played the role of Sandy brillantly, evidently showing the emotions that Sandy embodies, and presenting her big change from innocent angel to cool chick. Her solo of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" was full of emotion and passion - a stunning voice and performance.
Others that stole the performance away includes James Jenkins, who jammed out "Born to Hand Jive" and brought the slick vocals to that number. His performance as Teen Angel was performed with integrity which left me shocked and thrilled by high notes that ended the chilled number. Chris Evans as Eugene really brought the nerdy classic character in the musical, and brought some hilarious moments to the show. Not forgetting to mention comedy king Alex Todd as the recurring cameo of Vince Fontaine.
But an extra mention must go straight into the pit of the band, who really outdid themselves in sound and style, directed by Ms Evenden. The band blasted the songs out loud and clear, in tune all the way and with an amazing sound from start to finish with no let-downs.
Once again the school production was a superb success, and all praise is due to Mr Richardson and Mrs Stone for fantastic directing that really made the performance fantastic! Can’t wait for next year!
Lauren Smith, Year 12
Take a look at the school's photos of the performance here.