“GREASE” is a nostalgic fairytale, but it’s amusing to think that in these politically correct times we all happily flock to a musical in which a nicely-mannered, pretty girl learns that she has to look and act like a leather-clad tart to keep her oaf-of-a-boyfriend’s interest.

Compared to the original, much grittier version, stage productions of “Grease” these days are more like the blander, sugar-coated but enjoyable movie version of 1978.

Rosanna Boyd was excellent as Sandy as was Vanessa de Jager as Rizzo. Marcus Hurley as Danny gave a strong performance in the first act but seemed less energetic in the second. There were also great cameo moments from Jonathan Garland, Dave Collins, Hayden Crossweiller, Liam Downing and each of the Pink Ladies.

The set for the show and the projections were unimaginative and a disappointment. There was so little detail it seemed more like a concert version of the show. Jordan Kelly’s choreography was certainly energetic but often had nothing to do with the intention of particular scenes and it all looked the same after a while.

Costumes by Anna Senior were colourful and attractive with great attention to detail. The singing was confident and the band, conducted by Jenny Tabur, sounded excellent. Sound balance was occasionally uneven, making it hard to hear some lyrics clearly.

Stephen Pike’s show has an appealing freshness due mostly to the enthusiastic young cast. It just needed some better production values to make it a great one.