Ohhh, Sandy
We speak to leading lady Martha Kirby about stepping into Olivia Newton-John’s shoes as Sandy in Grease
IT’S more than 40 years since John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John burst onto the big screen in the now iconic movie Grease. Set in 1957 at America’s Rydell High, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited after a whirlwind romance when she transfers to the school for her senior year.
But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more?
The stage show was conceived seven years before the film by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey and the musical is still touring today, bringing to life such classic hits as Summer Nights, Beauty School Dropout, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.
As the current UK tour prepares for a run in Cardiff, actress Martha Kirby talks about her role as Sandy...
Q: For anyone who might never have seen Grease, can you tell us what audiences might be able to expect?
A: Audiences can expect a nostalgic, vibrant display of teenage relationships.
Q: You’re playing the role of Sandy, can you tell us a bit more about this character?
A: I have had so much fun creating a version of Sandy of whom I believe is truthful and raw. More self-assured than preconceived but just as open and honest. Q: Grease is not only an iconic stage show but also an iconic film, was it daunting taking on something so well known?
A: Taking on Grease seemed daunting at first but Nikolai and all of the creative team involved were keen to take the show in a new direction and not to recreate a carbon copy of the film.
Q: Does this version differ from previous productions of Grease?
A: Yes this version differs from previous productions, as we have brought the dark and gritty back to Grease.
Q: If you could play any other character in Grease, who would it be and why?
A: If I could play another role it would have to be Rizzo because There Are Worse Things I Could Do is my favourite song in the show.
Q: Do you enjoy being on the road or can it be a bit of a challenge?
A: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being on the road as we’ve seen some beautiful cities.
Q: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
A: I always have to say my first singing and speaking line before going on stage.
Q: Have you performed in Cardiff before? Are you excited to visit Wales Millennium Centre?
A: I haven’t performed at the Millennium Centre but I am excited to be so close to my hometown Bristol which is just over the bridge.
Q: What’s next for you after Grease?
A: Who knows what’s next after Grease, but I am looking forward to finding out!
Q: Finally, can you sum up why someone should come and see the show?
A: People should come and see this show because it’s a classic which certainly won’t disappoint...
■ Grease is at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff from Tuesday, October 15, to Saturday, October 19. Call 029 2063 6464