WHEN a show tops a list of the 100 greatest musicals of all time, it would not take the biggest of gamblers to bet on having a decent night when the show rolls into town.

Judging by the reaction of the Black Country crowd at the end of the pulsating performance, I would hazard a guess that a few had a bit more than a decent evening's entertainment.

As always, the action-packed production did not disappoint and the retro charm that turned Grease into a modern cultural phenomenon was there in abundance.

From the moment the Pink Ladies and T-Birds of Rydell High bound onto the stage with their 50s teenage bubble-gum swagger, a party atmosphere took hold of the packed rafters.

With songs like Summer Nights, Grease is the Word and Hopelessly Devoted to You belted out with glee from the cast and audience, it is easy to understand the show's appeal.

It might not be serious or thought provoking, but who cares. If you want to escape the triviality of normal life for a couple of hours then you could do a lot worse.

It was obvious that Paul Manuel was no stranger to the role of cool gang leader, Danny Zuko, and, as the night raced on, his resemblance to John Travolta became more and more uncanny.

Birmingham-born Hayley Evetts, who came to the nation's attention singing in TV's Popstars and Pop Idol, should get credit for her portrayal of the rebel's love interest, Sandy.

Stuart Ramsay, who played the part of Danny's badboy pal, Kenickie, deserves praise for his foot-stomping rendition of Greased Lightnin'.

It is a musical for the viewer that likes to get involved and the message would have to read, be there or be square.

PW