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Running until 7 September 2025

Kilworth House Theatre has simply done it again. Grease is an absolute knockout. Full of energy, charm, and pure feel-good excellence. From the second you arrive, the atmosphere hits different. Outdoor theatre is simply divine, and Grease is the perfect show for it. Some of the cast are already on stage playing basketball as the audience filters in. An immersive touch that instantly brings you into the world of Rydell High. And once the show begins, it never lets up. It’s energy. It’s THEATRE.

Let’s start with Michael Nelson as Danny. He’s everything you want from the role. Confident, charismatic, and completely believable as the school heartthrob. But what really won me over was the way he handled the iconic Danny laugh. That quick switch into that goofy, familiar cackle was so well-timed, it drew a huge response from the audience. It was those little character choices that made his performance stand out. He was likeable whilst being an absolute tool and that’s how we know he’s superb.

Lillia Squires as Sandy is simply brilliant. She brings the warmth and sincerity to the role, she makes Sandy’s transformation feel natural and empowering rather than forced. Her voice is gorgeous, but it’s the emotional layering she brings that really makes the character shine. I’d happily watch her in this role again. The Summer Nights duet is fantastic and her rendition of Hopelessly Devoted to You was superb.

One of my highlights of the night was David Carnie as Doody, delivering “Those Magic Changes” with a blend of sweetness and soul. A quiet standout in a show packed with big numbers.

But the big showstopper? Without a doubt, “Beauty School Dropout”, sung by Declan Egan. His vocals were absolutely phenomenal. The entire number was a visual feast too, with dazzling costumes and stylised staging that pushed it into full fantasy mode. It was pure theatrical joy and one of the best performances of the evening.

The costume design across the whole production is exceptional. Bright, era-appropriate, and full of detail. From slick leather jackets to dreamy prom dresses, every look helps bring the 1950s to life with just the right amount of theatrical flair. It pairs delightfully with the choreography that is energetic and fun.

And yes, I have to mention the Greased Lightnin’ car. Its on-stage makeover is a cool watch. We love a performance of Greased Lightning and seeing the car be cleaned up on stage is pretty cool.

This production stays true to what people love about Grease. It’s fast-paced, funny, romantic, and packed with talent from top to bottom. We don’t deviate from the storyline in any way and characters are played in their original sense. Honestly, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it!

If you’re looking for the ultimate feel-good musical this summer then this is it. Grease at Kilworth is vibrant, joyous, and impossible not to love.

Catch it before it wraps up on 7th September. I’ve already been once, and I’d honestly I’m looking at tickets to go again!

Press tickets for review purposes.