Secret Cinema - Grease

I was lucky enough to score tickets to last-night's dress rehearsal. It would be unfair to review this like a completed show, instead this is a preview on what to expect and some thoughts on the "immersive" genre. Very mild spoilers ahead.

I never really got the concept behind Secret Cinema. It seemed like an overhyped cult with its mish-mash of festival, improvisation workshop, and collective film watching. The various production snafus didn't go unnoticed by me. It was fair to say that I went in to the world of Rydell High as a sceptic.

But I left as a convert.

Nestled in the middle of Battersea Park is an open-air funfair blaring the hits of the 1950s. A massive screen shows trailers for "From Here To Eternity" and other period pieces. It seems like everyone is dressed in either leather jackets or puffy dresses. The atmosphere is fun and convivial. There are a few actors milling about doing small interactions but its pretty easy to miss them as they're dressed similarly to the audience.

As the sounds of Frankie Valli fill the area, we're ushered inside to a perfect reproduction of Rydell High. There's so much attention to detail - posters on the walls, trophies in cases, cheerleaders with pom-poms, and a live band! Unlike my usual complaints about London theatre, the pre-show here is exquisite.

The interior is cavernous - dominated by the raised dance floor in the middle, with various sets dotted around. No matter where you stand, you'll be able to see what's going on thanks to some rather clever camera work which melds the original film with the stage actors.

The actors are fantastic - their singing, dancing, and crowdwork were impeccable. Obviously, this is a bit different to a normal immersive show - you aren't going to get any plot-twists from them, or clues about what's going to happen next, but it is rather jolly. And, yes, there's a good chance you'll be pulled into an interaction - either dancing on stage, singing with a choir, or invited to the slumber party. If that's not your thing, there's no pressure to get involved.

But you should absolutely get involved! Dance with the one that brung you, climb the bleachers, swoon over your heart-throb, and sing. Sing loudly. Grease is exactly as interactive as you want it to be. You could buy a VIP ticket and sit at the back (why?!?) or you could run around like a loon, hand-jiving when instructed, and admiring all the effort which has gone into it.

Just like the West-End shows which do singalonga nights, this is an exercise in communal singing to lift the spirits. It is intoxicating to feel like you're within the musical, rather than just being a spectator. It isn't interactive as such - nothing you do will change the plot - but it is wonderful to be swept along with everyone.

Sure, it's a corny old film with dodgy politics and there have been a few subtle tweaks to make it feel a little more 21st century. But the songs are rocking, the crowd are there to have a good time, and the production values are excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Food, drink, toilets, and costs

Obviously, food and drink costs are outrageous. £7.50 for a 330ml can of lager?! £13.50 for a veggie burger!? Hey, at least the condiments were free! We did also find a character giving out samples of tequila - which softened the blow somewhat. I get that London prices are insane, but it will add up to an expensive evening. That said, there is vegan food available so at least I didn't walk away hungry. The menu is available online.

Food and drink is available both inside and outside. There are also "Cigarette Girls" carrying around trays of drinks if you don't want to queue at the bar.

Outside there is a single fairground ride, a fun house, and a couple of fairground games. Again, these are pay-to-play. It feels a little cheeky to charge extra for these given the ticket cost.

There are plenty of loos - the inside ones are well maintained and there are some external portaloos which aren't too disgusting.

The cheapest tickets are £49 each. That's better than many West End shows. You won't be stuck in a cramped seat with a restricted view. We got there a bit before 19:00, hung around the fairground, then left around 22:00 - so 3 hours of entertainment. Not a bad bang for your buck.

Verdict

If you like Grease, you'll love this. If you're indifferent to Grease, you'll still have a big smile on your face.

For more information and tickets, visit https://greasetheimmersivemoviemusical.com/