Grease : The Immersive Movie Musical
This summer the coolest place to be is Battersea Park, it’s where all the cool kids are hanging out as Secret Cinema has taken over with ‘Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical’. Grab your leather jackets, your cool shades and head on down to Rydell High for the experience of the summer.
As soon as you walk through the gates you are thrown back to 1959, with an initial hour to explore the outdoor carnival full of rides, games and a fun house as well as a great selection of food and drink to enjoy. Immersive cast members and ushers help set the mood. I met 'Gracie, a Senior at Rydell High who had a passion for polaroid's and was happy to answer any questions I had about the evening ahead. Once everyone is suitably hyped on sugar and carnival fun, the movie begins on a large screen to cheers and whoops from the crowd. We are then ushered inside the enormous Evolution venue in which designer Tom Rogers has brought the world of Grease to life. There are various areas around the venue to take in, find a spot to stand or grab a seat and await the action.
This is an immersive experience like no other, the film of Grease is played across 12 large screens all throughout the venue space (and on one outside so if you need fresh air, you won’t miss anything). There are some sections of pauses or cuts but these are filled with vintage adverts or short films keeping you immersed in the world but also allowing for a short break to get a drink or visit the bathroom without missing any of the action. All performances are done with a live band and take place all over the arena, often coming into the middle meaning you can see pretty much everything no matter where you stand but you may have to move around a little to truly get the best views.
Every song in Grease is a hit, that’s nothing new, but what feels fresh about these performances is the fantastic use of the space along with new choreography from Jennifer Weber. The dance hall section is electric, with audience members invited on stage to dance the Hand Jive it’s packed and high energy. ‘Greased Lightnin'’ is also a highlight of the evening and you can feel the energy of the audience as they sing along.
The cast act out some of the key scenes and of course sing all the songs from the film too as it plays above them. With the cast mainly being made up of musical theatre actors the performances are fantastic, Lucy Penrose as Rizzo is amazing, perfectly portraying her spikey exterior with a more vulnerable side too. Waylon Jacobs is great as the slightly sleazy Vince Fontaine, a character which is utilised more here than in the film. It was also fun that the cast walked amongst the audience while moving from one area to another, which gives the opportunity for some fun interactions, drawing us more into their world.
This really is immersive theatre at it’s best. Secret Cinema have absolutely created the world of Grease and it’s a joy to be a part of it. Grease really is the word this summer and it’s a fantastic night out!
This experience was reviewed on the 5th August 2025 at Battersea Park, London where it runs until the 7th September 2025. Tickets here: Grease The Immersive Movie Musical
Review written by Rosie Browne
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Photo credit : Danny Kaan, Matt Crockett & Luke Dyson
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