Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe productions. She is now eager to explore the culture on offer in and around her home town.  You can contact Lauren on laurencrispwriter@gmail.com 

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Grease was the word on Saturday night at Harrogate Theatre, as members of Ripon’s Upstage Academy threw on their Pink Ladies jackets, greased their hair, and jived hips and hands for a high-energy performance of this most nostalgic of musicals.

Upstage Academy School of Performance has been instructing children and young people in the performing-arts arena for 14 years. Based out of their studio in Ripon, the school provides youngsters with the chance to train, perform and prepare for competitions and examinations. Over the weekend, Upstage presented the culmination of months of hard work with their electrifying production of Grease.

Noticeably and delightfully age-inclusive, all members of the cast, from the very youngest to the 18-year-olds about to fly the nest, had an opportunity to shine. The more junior members sparkled with a couple of sharp dance numbers (complete with flips and splits), while the older performers, bubbling over with talent and commitment, impressed me with just how comfortable they were on stage, allowing them to truly showcase all of which they are capable – a great deal.

Alfie Davies was a dazzling Danny, oozing with the prerequisite posturing, charisma and cool of his character, and pulling off John Travolta’s trademark laugh to a T. He was a pleasure to watch: bound for the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, whose alumni include Olivia Colman and Sir Patrick Stewart, we should be keeping an eye out for Alfie on future screens and stages.

This was the final performance for Upstage’s eldest performers, before they spread their wings to head off to universities, drama schools and the rest of their lives. As the crowd laughed, whooped and cheered, I could sense how this performance, and the school, sat close to many a heart in the audience. I could imagine how hard these young people have worked over the years; how many lines have been practised over the dinner table; how much energy and anticipation must precede any performance. Youth theatre par excellence, these kids are proving themselves the professionals of the future.

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Read More:

• Review: Oddsocks’ Much Ado About Nothing draws the picnicking crowds


• Ripon military heritage trail plans backed by city council

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