I went to the new immersive experience that feels like being in Grease – with 50s themed funfair and huge live show

The Sun

4 days ago

I HAD walked straight into 1959, surrounded by red and white Rydell High memorabilia and dazzling lights of carnival rides.
Secret Cinema's, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical had immediately transported me out of London in 2025 and landed me in the world of Sandy and Danny in the 1950s.
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It was the latest edition of the immersive cinema company's productions that transport guests into the worlds we see on the screen, following the success of Casino Royal and Stranger Thing.
"Welcome to your first day of school," a women dressed in Rydell colours chimed.
Hundreds of guests - or should I say 'students' - had fully embraced the experience for the next few hours, dressing themselves in ankle-length skits, Pink Ladies Jackets and T-Birds leather.
The production staff even wore Greased Lightnin' mechanics outfits, splattered with oil.
It felt like a time machine had dropped me into the world of Sandy and Danny, more than 65 years in the past.
Guests can purchase carnival tokens, just like at a real fair, to enjoy the attractions at the experience.
There was a Ferris wheel, flying chairs, hook-a-duck and even the iconic fun house from Sandy's unforgettable transformation scene.
Food vendors line the edge of the carnival, where I opted for a £13 vegan hot dog, complete with beer-infused onions. Pricey, for sure, but in line with what you would expect at a London event.
As for a tipple, the £12.50 Lillet Hugo Spritz was a nice nod to The Pink Ladies - made with elderflower, rose and fresh mint.
'I visited the new Traitors live experience'
Eventually, it was time to leave the carnival behind and step through the doors of Rydell High.
Inside, the school's gymnasium dominated the room, serving as the central stage for the night's performance.
Around the edges, themed bars and seating areas were scattered - each also playing a role in the experience.
My table was at Frosty's Palace, which was decked out with blue and white booths and classic diner tables.
The table was then complete with a bottle of rose in an ice bucket - another subtle wink to The Pink Ladies.
Rows of vintage cars had been converted into tables, the auto shop was slick with oil and the bleachers were ready for Patty Simcox to screech about school spirit.
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Every area had been well thought out with the creators not just producing a stage for a show, but a world to transport yourself into.
The experience kicks off with the film itself, but as key scenes played out, actors took to the stage to bring them to life, all before cutting back to the movie.
My only criticism would be that at times it felt a little overwhelming to the senses.
I found myself on occasions unsure where to look or what to listen to as the sound from the film, orchestra and actors sometimes battle against each other.
Yet, the entire time my feet tapped and I couldn't help but sing along.
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And the entire performance really was full of unforgettable moment after unforgettable moment.
One guest, in a silver dress with curlers in her hair, was plucked from her seat to perform in the 'Beauty School Dropout' scene.
In another scene, Danny performed in his car whilst dancers flipped and spun around him.
Both the dancing and singing throughout the experience was breathtakingly flawless.
The energy to sing and dance simultaneously as they did, really deserves recognition.
Liam Buckland - who played Danny - nailed John Travolta 's swagger, complete with slicked-back hair and a cheeky-yet-charming attitude.
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Unlike traditional West End shows, most ticketholders stand and move freely about the room.
The actors even join in, chatting to guests whilst fully in character.
One student dropped by our table to rant about being 'left out of Frenchy's sleepover' - dragging us directly into the drama.
For the finale, the audience was led back outside to the carnival.
Sandy's final transformation scene with song 'You're the One That I Want' really did bring the house down.
Yes, there were leather trousers and red lippy.
Yes, they shimmied on the Shake Shack.
Yes, it did send the audience wild.
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By the end of the night, one thing was clear: the experience really did 'have me a blast'.
In a city with so many stage shows and immersive experiences, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical stood out like a Pink Lady's jacket in a sea of beige.
The experience runs until September 7 in Battersea Park, London and tickets cost from £49 per person.
I also headed to the new Traitors live experience - it was a heart-pounding world of lies and best friend-betrayal.
And I have also seen the new Titanic immersive exhibition - I gasped as the iceberg hit but there was another 'wow' moment.