Grease is the word on campus

The Tab reviews the BU & AUB Performing Arts Society’s version of the musical ‘Grease’.


Although February isn’t long gone, Summer Lovin’ was rife in Bournemouth University as The T-Birds and The Pink Ladies came to campus.

The show, a complete sell-out on its first two nights, is held at the Allsebrook Lecture Theatre, opposite the BU library.

As director Tom Robinson alludes to in his programme notes, the show keeps all the best parts of the film version.  Robinson says, “The levels of boyish banter and girly chitchat makes the musical what it is”.

It was evident that this was a key emphasis as the show never struggled for energy and the stark contrast between the male and female groups was both clear and humorous.

Olivia Ling (Sandy) and Henry Uings (Danny) on the show’s opening night

First year AUB Acting student, Henry Uings, played the lead male role of Danny Zuko. “It’s great fun [to play Zuko] but it’s pretty challenging too” Uings said.

“I have done Grease five times before so I know the more minor roles pretty well. But taking the step up to Danny is really good fun.

“What I think I have bought to the character is this sad side to him. He is genuinely upset with what’s going on with Sandy, he’s trying to put on a cool front but there is a deeper part underneath that.

“That’s what I focussed on – getting that third dimension of his character.”

Olivia Ling, playing lead female Sandy Dumbrowski, gives a consistently outstanding vocal performance and duets effectively with Uings. Of his co-star Uings comments, “She’s very experienced and has a great voice.

“It’s been cool working with her, I’ve learnt a lot from her and I think she’s learnt a lot from me. The songs are very challenging but it has been brilliant to push myself to that next level.”

The cast and crew have been preparing over six months for the show. Reflecting on the overall experience Uings commented, “the cast is brilliant, we get on so well – I know it’s cliché but it’s like a massive family.

“It’s a joy to come to rehearsals and to top it off with performances in front of packed audiences is brilliant.”

Tickets for Grease are still available for both Friday and Saturday’s performances. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £4 for concessions, and can be purchased via the SUBU website, over phone on 07501069536 or directly from the SUBU reception. Each performance begins at 7.30pm and last approximately two hours.