A joyful return to Rydell High with energy, music and charm

Grease is still the word, but at Evolution London it becomes something you can walk through and feel. This immersive version does not just show you the film. It invites you into the world of it. From the moment you enter Battersea Park, you are no longer a regular theatre guest. You are part of Rydell High.

People arrive in full costume. Pink Lady jackets, high ponytails, polka dot dresses, and slicked hair fill the space. Outside the main building is a working fairground, with glowing lights, retro food stalls, and a buzz of music and movement. It sets the tone before you even reach the show itself. The staff are playful and relaxed, adding to the feeling that you have stepped back in time.

Inside, the building opens up into different areas. You can visit the gym, Frosty’s Palace, the auto shop, and a recreated drive in cinema with full scale cars. There are no seats unless you have booked the premium drive in section. The show flows around you, and you are free to move as you like. Whether you follow the characters, or stay in one place and take it all in, the layout makes it easy to stay involved.

The experience mixes the original film with live performance. Large screens play the 1978 movie, and during the big musical numbers, the volume lowers and the live cast takes over. This shift brings the story to life in a completely different way. “Greased Lightnin’” starts in the auto shop with a dusty shell of a car, then builds into a loud, high energy moment that ends with a shiny convertible lowering from the ceiling.

The cast is strong throughout. Stephanie Costi gives a grounded, charming performance as Sandy. Liam Morris plays Danny with just enough edge to make him feel real. Lucy Penrose stands out as Rizzo, especially during her solo which brings quiet emotion and control. Waylon Jacobs keeps things moving as Vince Fontaine, acting like a host who leads the crowd and breaks the fourth wall with ease.

There are moments that feel a little messy. At times, it is hard to tell if you are meant to be watching the film or looking for something happening live. Some people miss key scenes because they are not clearly signalled. For those sitting further back in the drive in section, the sound can get lost, and the view is not always ideal. A few tweaks to the sound and lighting would help the performance connect better with the full space.

Still, the atmosphere never dips. You can eat, explore, dance, or just sit and enjoy. The set details are smart and full of references. Every corner feels like a surprise. Even the Frosty Palace diner is open for drinks and milkshakes.

Near the end of the show, the audience is brought back outside. The fairground lights have come alive. Neon signs flash across the rides and food booths. The cast performs the final scenes above the crowd, from raised platforms scattered across the open space. People sing, dance, and film the final number like they are at a concert. It is joyful, light, and a little bit wild.

This version of Grease is more than a musical. It is a shared experience. It works best when it lets people feel free and part of the action. Some parts still need clarity, but the energy and joy are undeniable.

Grease lives again, not just on screen, but all around you.