THE newest production of Grease has set up shop for the week at the New Theatre.

The question is, is this a fresh take on a well-worn classic or a derivative rehashing of an old cliché?

This newest version is directed by David Gilmore – a seasoned veteran of Broadway musical theatre and it shows.

Rarely outside of the West End will you see as tightly controlled and skilfully managed spectacle as this.

And what appeared to be a minor technical error, which significantly extended the interval, did little to mar an otherwise smooth performance.

But Gilmore is not the only star of this show.

Danny Bayne, winner of ITV’s Grease is the Word is the lead, starring – not too surprisingly – as Danny.

He pulls the part off well and fills the lead ‘greaser’ with gusto, humour and character.

However, and I don’t like to nit-pick, his singing did leave something to be desired...

To my ears, he just didn’t seem to keep up with the rest of the cast, although in fairness this was probably due to the horrible accents the show forces its cast members to adopt.

Particular mention should go to Ricky Rojas and Kate Somerset How as Kenickie and Rizzo respectively, who shone in an already sterling cast.

Arlene Phillips (yes, the Strictly Come Dancing one) delivered good choreography and the set and pyrotechnics were first class.

My only real criticism was the length of the production.

While I’m sure there are many fans of Grease who would happily sit through almost three hours and then ask for more, for the casual observer this can start to feel like over-kill.

Nevertheless, this is a hugely enjoyable production that no fan will want to miss.

l Grease runs at the New Theatre until Saturday. Tickets cost from £17.50 to £40.50.

For further details call 0844 871 3020 or go to www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk