Last night’s press night was Secret Cinema’s Grease – The Immersive Movie Musical, and A LOT of fun was had. Following its debut in the UK’s second city, Birmingham, back in 2023, now at its new home, Battersea Park’s Evolution Arena, which has been transformed, welcome to Rydell High School.
My guest and I got into the spirit of things, fully adhering to the theme as did so many of our fellow audience members –largely dressed up as T-Birds or Pink Ladies and all of the iconic fashion choices of the 50s era, it’s a beautiful, colourful sight.
There are two elements to this immersive experience. You can take in the vibe, trying out the different games – Tin Can Alley, anyone? Or, of course, there’s a Ferris wheel in true Grease finale style and other fairground rides. You can also grab a cocktail (the margaritas are worth a try), plus there’s the usual American diner fare – pizza, hot dogs, nachos, or tempting ice cream sundaes. There is something for everyone.
Outside, there are plenty of content creation opportunities if that’s your bag but filming and taking photos inside the arena are frowned upon, albeit inevitable in this digital age – so it was great to go away with a cute polaroid featuring the Rydell High backdrop.
As for the second element, depending on your budget, there are various options ranging from free to roam general admission, VIP seating or VIP immersive where you can actually become part of the cast, ha! That option is for the brave who want to immerse themselves in the show. We opted to sit in the drive-in but we recommend roaming around to fully take in the immersive experience, which is advisable as the end scene outside in the fairground is worth getting out of your seat for.
From the cast strutting their stuff, mixing and interacting with the audience, as you’re roaming, sat in the drive in or the cabaret seats, to watching the 1978 movie on the multiple big screens, the live band and singing, the iconic fairground plus delicious food and cocktails, EVERYTHING was top tier for the perfect summer night.
As a die-hard Grease fan who loves any opportunity to belt out tunes from one of my all-time favourite musicals, this was pretty much an essential experience and I’m delighted to say that it did not disappoint. Shout out to the cast who give their all in bringing the musical off-screen to live and direct in Battersea Park.
Grease – The Immersive Movie Musical is highly recommended if you want a fun, nostalgic, and unique night out in London! Will you be dressed as Danny or Sandy? That’s the question.
Need to know:
- See post on TikTok
- Tickets from £49
#GreaseTheImmersiveMusica #GreaseTheImmersiveMusicalMovieMusical #GreaseTheMusical
