Robin Cousins steals the show in Grease at the Alhambra (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Robin Cousins stars in Grease at Bradford theatre

10:30pm Tuesday 21st June 2011 in Reviews By Emma Clayton

He’s Mr Nice on Dancing on Ice and an Olympic champ on the rink – and last night Robin Cousins stole the show as a white-suited crooner in high school romp Grease. With an impressive vocal range, and some slick dance moves, Robin got it just right as vain charmer the Teen Angel, whose hilarious rendition of Beauty School Drop-Out delivers a few home truths to sweet but deluded Frenchy. This polished production of the much-loved rock ‘n’ roll musical – setting summer nights alight in Bradford for the next fortnight – raced along, thanks to Arlene Phillips’s lively choreography and musical staging. The overhead positioning of the live band gave the cast plenty of room to spread out on stage. I thought the stark neon-lit set initially lacked soul, but later scenes in the diner and gym created the essential Fifties Americana backdrop, as the sassy Pink Ladies and groovy T-Birds rocked ‘n’ rolled through their final days at Rydell High. The show pays homage to the classic movie version of Grease, capturing its edgy feel, although I felt the Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee scene just went through the motions. Highlights included terrific performances of Greased Lightnin’ the racy, anarchic high school dance contest, and a hand-jive version of We Go Together, performed on school benches. Well done to a great cast, led by charismatic Danny Bayne, who could pass for a young Travolta as high school cool dude Danny Zuko, and Carina Gillespie as uncool but sweet Sandy. A fun, feelgood celebration of teen angst and summer loving, it left last night’s whooping audience hopelessly devoted. Runs until July 2.