REVIEW: Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical

Photo via A Young(ish) Perspective

https://ayoungishperspective.co.uk/2025/08/07/review-grease-the-immersive-movie-musical/

Full throttle reimagining of the 1978 film.

By Elspeth Chapman

Secret Cinema have done it again! Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, running until September 7th at Evolution London in Battersea Park, is a full throttle reimagining of the 1978 film. 

From the moment that guests arrive, the experience blurs the line between the audience and the performer, offering a new exciting blend of theatre, cinema and funfair settings all in one place. When entering Evolution London, audiences are transported to a vibrant 1959 Americana dream. Some of the most iconic settings from the film are re-created in incredible detail: Frosty’s Palace diner, the Auto Shop with a “Greased Lightnin’” on display and even carnival grounds to bring a nostalgic feel. The attention to detail is amazing, with set designer Tom Rogers crafting a world that feels both cinematic and tangible. Both the outdoor and indoor spaces are incredibly immersive, with the cast walking alongside you their unique interactions with one another and the audience are what sets this apart from the rest. 

Before the film even starts, guests have time to explore the funfair, complete with Ferris wheel, tin can alley and swing carousel. With bars available outside and Grease themed merch available queues are inevitable. 

Throughout the show itself dozens of mini-performances and interactive moments unfold simultaneously. Audience members can join choir rehearsals, chat with the Pink Ladies or help during sports try-outs. The pace is fast; elect scenes from Grease are performed live in sync with the film, bringing the screen to life in bursts of music and movement. The level of interactivity is a showstopper, from heading on stage, to dining at Frosty’s Palace, with the audience navigating their evening each audience member could have a totally different experience to one another. 

The cast is strong, bringing both vocal talent and charming character to their roles. The rendition of “Grease Lightnin” stands out, the crowd are encouraged to sing along, dance and have fun. The actors continuously float between fully staged numbers and casual in-character interactions with guests, which sets it apart from any other show. 

The finale is particularly memorable, ending the night on a euphoric high as “We Go Together” is blasted from the speakers, the film playing in the background and a cast encouraging the audience to once again play their part. 

There are some minor drawbacks of course, food and drink prices are steep, and crowding around popular events can make it difficult to see everything. But these are minor. Each audience having the opportunity to curate their evening is very special and unique to secret cinema. 

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is a distinctive, deeply entertaining experience, one that captures the spirit of the film while pushing the boundaries of what immersive theatre can be. Whether you’re a diehard fan or simply in search of a memorable night out, this production has charm, polish and more than a little grease lightning.

Tickets are available for purchase now at: https://greasetheimmersivemoviemusical.com/