Grease Is The Word

[Footie_Chick]

ITV is to launch a new reality TV show to find stars for a London revival of classic musical Grease.

Grease Is The Word is hoping to re-create the success of the BBC's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, which launched the career of Connie Fisher, who is currently starring in the London revival of The Sound Of Music.

Thousands of West End wannabes are expected to apply for the chance to become the new John Travolta and Olivia Newton John on the London stage.

Hopefuls who make it through the initial auditions will be sent to a three-day boot camp. Just eight couples will then be chosen for the live TV show, and the winning pair will make their West End debut in July.

The judging panel will comprise I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Outta Here! star David Gest, West End star Sinitta, theatre producer David Ian and American choreographer Brian Friedman.

Zoe Ball, who will co-present the show, said: "I remember seeing Grease for the first time when I was seven years old and I loved it. I learned all the songs by heart and I just wanted to be one of the pink ladies at Rydell High."

Grease Is The Word starts in April.

[Luna]

Sounds good i loved maria this should be even better with the catchy songs

[Trinity]

I loved Maria too.

I queued for 5 hours TWICE to see Grease at the pictures in Paisley when I was 14.

I would have loved to have been a pink lady!

Now the only part I could audition for would be the dried up old school secretary...:eek:

[Footie_Chick]

It's a redo though isn't it, what i mean is that it has already had a shoe production. I went in January 2004 to see it at Manchester Palace Theatre, it had Johnathan Wilks (Robbie's best mate) as Danny and Hayley Evert (Came 5th in Pop Idol) as Hayley. It was amazin then, so i think it will be agood idea to have it shown again and that we get an input into selecting the cast.

[LostVoodoo]

god, how are ITV allowed to blatantly rip off so many of the BBC's programmes like this?

although what made me laugh my socks off was that apparently Simon Cowell bough the performing rights to Grease the original PLAY, not knowing that You're The One That I Want and Hopelessly Devoted are actually only in the FILM and he had to fork out shedloads more to pay for them too :lol:

[Jojo]

I would love for some excellent dramas to be shown, rather than this constant stream of reality programmes. As much as I love Grease, we have so many X Factor, Fame Academy, Maria etc and now this that I would just like to sit and watch a decent drama rather than watching judges ripping shreds out of people desperate to make it into this business.

[Katy]

I bet this is at the same time as Any Dream will do, BBCs search for Joseph. Its all getting a tad samey if im honest.

[Siobhan]

I loved Maria too.

I queued for 5 hours TWICE to see Grease at the pictures in Paisley when I was 14.

I would have loved to have been a pink lady!

Now the only part I could audition for would be the dried up old school secretary...:eek:

hehe I could play the part of the diner woman!! don't think Pink Lady extends to Pink old Lady :rotfl:

[Tannie]

I would watch this as i love grease. And i also watched Maria and that was good to:D:p

[Chloe O'brien]

I remember going to the cinema every saturday morning for weeks to see the film. I knew all the words and songs. Think I'll audition for the part of Rizzo. :lol:

[Trinity]

Kath - I see you are in love - is this serious??

[Footie_Chick]

Did anyone watch this at the weekend??? What did you think??? I think it will get better once they have everyone paired up and you get to pick who goes through.

[CrazyLea]

Yeah, although I like the auditions, I prefer the live rounds, as they're more exciting heh. I felt sorry for that woman they put through; the one that's in love with David Ian. She can't sing or dance, so it's giving her false hope that she can. :nono: Wrong. I did like that woman; the one that had the boyfriend. She was really good I think.

[Trinity]

This whole show is mince.

A second rate Maria crossed with the X factor.

David Ian is the biggest sleaze on the planet, and I cannot bear to watch him oggling those sad and delusional women who think that they can play Sandy at (what looks like) 95 by wearing too few clothes and dancing like as if they were in a lap dancing establishment.

Joseph is better.

[Footie_Chick]

I did like that woman; the one that had the boyfriend. She was really good I think.

Yeah totally agree she was really good.

[Katy]

I agree, i cant stand all the delusion in the audition stages, Live rounds are much better.

I quite liked the man that did all the back flips, although he couldnt sing so that may have been a problem.

[Abbie]

Lol I know live rounds are better but some of the auditons are quite entertaining and insane!!!!
I like it how they make them sing act and dance

[pookie1968uk]

watched both shows but i think any dream will do is better. seems a bit more credible. grease one seems a bit more trashy, like x factor!!

[Abbie]

I can see what you mean when you compare it to the x-factor cos the people that audition are kinda slightly crazy, well some of them and they always dress up for grease, well some of them.

[.:SpIcYsPy:.]

I felt sorry for that woman they put through; the one that's in love with David Ian. She can't sing or dance, so it's giving her false hope that she can. :nono: Wrong. I did like that woman; the one that had the boyfriend. She was really good I think.
I couldn't help laughing at David Ian's face when they did that to him!! Reminds me of the sort of things that happens of X Factor. I do however think it's wrong to give her hope of playing a Pink Lady.

They do really have some good girls in there though, not sure about the boys..

[Abbie]

I know so far I agree I think they have more girls that are better than boys, But that might change tomorrow

[Footie_Chick]

The Final 8 Boys

Danny Bayne
Age: 19 Job: Student Location: London

Tom Bradley
Age: 19 Job: Actor Location: Leicester

Bradley Clarkson
Age: 25 Location: Hertfordshire Job: Student

Anthony Kavanagh
Age: 29 Job: Singer Location: Manchester

Richard Morgan
Age: 20 Job: Plasterer Location: Rotherham

Michael Quinn
Age: 24 Job: Actor / Singer Location: Lewisham

Danny Rhodes
Age: 22 Job: Student and waiter Location: Southend-on-Sea

Wayne Smith
Age: 26 Location: Preston Job: Cabaret Singer

The Final 8 Girls

Michelle Antrobus
Age: 24 Location: Winchmore Hill Job: Student

Hayley Clarke
Age: 18 Location: Liverpool Job: Student & Waitress

Alison Crawford
Age:25 Job: Waitress Location: Liverpool

Vicky Hoyles
Age: 22 Job: Beauty Therapist

Lauren McConnell
Age: 16 Job: Student Location: Sussex

Susan McFadden
Age: 24 Job: Performer Location: London

Joanna Power
Age: 22 Job: Pub Singer Location: Essex

Kate Somerset-How
Age: 23 Job: Gym receptionist Location: London

[xxloopylauraxx]

ive been trying to rack my brains all day what band was that antony in? i watchd grease is the word for the 1st time today. i reconise him but cant think or picture the others in the band. glad the danny with the stammer got through.

[Footie_Chick]

I don't know sorry, didn't regonise him from anywhere.
There are quite a few i'm glad got in like Vicky and Susan. It's quite hard to pick out of all of them as they were all really good.

[Jessie Wallace]

Anthony – better known as 90s chart-topper Kavana Hope that helps :)

http://www.lyricscafe.com/k/kavana.htm - You can find he songs and lyrics here

[Chloe O'brien]

I didn't watch it last night so I can't comment on those that have reached the live shows, but there is a link over on DS saying that some of the contestants who didn't make it throuh are claiming that its a fix because of Kavanagh, Brian McFadden's sister Susan and Michael Stark's (Gerry from Corrie) daughter Hayley getting through. They feel that some have used their celebrity status to gain a place on the live shows, as they believe that having famous faces in the audience will boost viewing figures.

[Jessie Wallace]

I don't think that's why they put them through Kath, i didn't even know Susan was his sister, and i loved her voice before i found that out. At the moment i can't remember who hayley is, but i didn't know he was her dad.

Their was a blonde girl who i really liked that didn't go through, she'd got glasses, and like short blonde hair with a great cut.

[Footie_Chick]

I don't think that's why they put them through Kath, i didn't even know Susan was his sister, and i loved her voice before i found that out. At the moment i can't remember who hayley is, but i didn't know he was her dad.

Their was a blonde girl who i really liked that didn't go through, she'd got glasses, and like short blonde hair with a great cut.

Think Hayley was the one who had the tongue piercing. Susan was good enough herself to get through.
Think the girl your on about was called Jade.

[tammyy2j]

'Grease' rejects complain about "fix"
Sunday, April 22 2007, 11:31 BST

By Daniel Kilkelly

Grease Is The Word rejects have accused producers of favouring contestants with celebrity connections.

Some performers who did not make it to the final 16 on the reality show believe that former pop star Anthony Kavanagh, Brian McFadden's sister Susan and Coronation Street actor Michael Starke's daughter Hayley were chosen to keep ratings up for the live episodes.

One disappointed hopeful told the Daily Star Sunday: "Rumours have been flying round that certain contestants who have made the live shows were always going to get through due to their celebrity connections. It surely won't harm the programme to have famous people in the audience each week cheering family and friends.

"It's more than a bit of a coincidence. Quite a few people feel it's unfair."

[Jessie Wallace]

'Grease' rejects complain about "fix"
Sunday, April 22 2007, 11:31 BST

By Daniel Kilkelly

Grease Is The Word rejects have accused producers of favouring contestants with celebrity connections.

Some performers who did not make it to the final 16 on the reality show believe that former pop star Anthony Kavanagh, Brian McFadden's sister Susan and Coronation Street actor Michael Starke's daughter Hayley were chosen to keep ratings up for the live episodes.

One disappointed hopeful told the Daily Star Sunday: "Rumours have been flying round that certain contestants who have made the live shows were always going to get through due to their celebrity connections. It surely won't harm the programme to have famous people in the audience each week cheering family and friends.

"It's more than a bit of a coincidence. Quite a few people feel it's unfair."

:rolleyes: Sour grape syndrome here! They've gotta blame someone. Yes it's hard that they didn't get through themselves, but to get as far as they did is awsome, they should just except it, pulled themselves together and go and try for other things.

[Abbie]

I missed it, dont suppose it repeats again?

[Jessie Wallace]

You've just missed a repeat on itv2. I've had a quick loko through this week and it's not repeated again on itv2 that i could see.

[Footie_Chick]

Show 1

The Danny's and Sandy's are all partnered up.

Each week, one of our judges will be selecting a theme for the live shows.

For the first, live show the choice falls to celebrity choreographer Brian Friedman.

He reveals that his theme is disco, saying: "I love disco because it is so young and so energetic."

This is what each Danny and Sandy pair will be singing.

Anthony & Alison - Don’t Leave Me This Way
Bradley & Michelle - Boogie Wonderland
Danny B & Susan - Knock On Wood
Danny R & Lauren - Wishing On A Star
Michael & Vicky - On The Radio
Richard & Joanna - Never Can Say Goodbye
Tom & Kate - Blame It On The Boogie
Wayne & Hayley - Disco Inferno

The 70s theme guarantees that no-one will be able to rely purely on vocal talent as it's all about the boogie, as well!

[xTanya]

It may well be that they were chosen for their talent but I would really not be surprised if it wasn't for there celebrity connections I infact think this is more than likely simply because in this business it is so a case of who you know and not what you know, the producers aren't silly and know what those with celebrity connections will have people in the audience who will help the final production of Grease no end, they are certainly more likely to get more cleberities in the show if there is more celebrity attention on it. I do hate how they are making the west end bring in celebrity status over talent they do it in shows all the time, I know they have to make there money but people who like the theatre are more likely to watch shows when there is someone really talented rather than some celebrity who isn't doing a very good job.

Ok rant over hehe

[Chloe O'brien]

Tom & Kate were the first couple voted off tonight.

[Footie_Chick]

Show 2

This week, Grease goes to the movies with a theme inspired by film soundtracks.

The contestants have been rehearsing all week and, from what we've heard, are loving their song choices.

Joanna revealed: "The song Richard and I are singing is fantastic. We much prefer it to last week's choice.

"We just really want to impress the judges and viewers. This competition is everything to us."

But who's singing which songs?

Anthony & Alison - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Know
Bradley & Michelle - Against All Odds
Danny & Susan - Time of My Life
Danny & Lauren - What A Feeling
Michael & Vicky - Up Where We Belong
Richard & Joanna - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Wayne & Hayley - When You Say Nothing At All

[xTanya]

Ohh some good songs there, hope they do them justice

[Footie_Chick]

I think they are all pretty good, from all the chick flicks movies.

[xTanya]

Yep you can't go wrong with a chick flick lol I might more of it than I did last week I was prefering Joseph last week

[Footie_Chick]

Yep you can't go wrong with a chick flick lol I might more of it than I did last week I was prefering Joseph last week

I have been watching Joseph one the last few weeks and recording Grease and been watching that Sunday morning, i think it's stupid putting them on at the same time.

[xTanya]

So do I so annoying, I mean they'd both get more viewers if they put them on seperatly but I think they just like to compete

I think Lauren sounded awful jsut then when they were singing together

[samantha nixon]

I think Lauren is realy good and I think shes actually one of my favourites and I like Susan aswel

[Abbie]

Susan is my favourite and I also like Vicky

[Jessie Wallace]

Aww, i can't believe Richard and Joanna went tonight, i thought they were a great couple, and that they gave a great preformance tonight.

[Footie_Chick]

Week 3 Songs

We've a feeling the contestants will be in their element with this week's theme as the judges have selected songs from the musicals!

The atmosphere in rehearsals has been pressurised as the finalists are more detrmined than ever to prove they have the star quality to make it to the West End.

All six remaining pairs have received fantastic comments from the judges and the competition is getting harder than ever to call!

To make sure your favourites stay in the show, get ready to vote for them on Saturday night. It really is down to you!

This week's songs -
Wayne and Hayley - Footloose
Bradley and Michelle - Does Your Mamma Know
Danny Rhodes and Lauren - The Circle Of Life
Michael and Vicky - Dont Stop Me Now
Anthony and Alison - Tonights The Night
Danny Bayne and Susan - Somewhere

[tammyy2j]

Bye Bye Wayne and Hayley.

Anthony was brillant

[Abbie]

Ive just caught up with it and Im starting to find it really hard to decide who i think will go each week, I thought Wayne and Hayley could of went on further

[samantha nixon]

I think the judges made the totaly wrong decision sending lauren and bradley home, as they are a lot better and lauren has an amzing voice

[no1abbafan]

I thought it was wrong too, much as i like Danny, he is not stage material yet because of his speech impediment. Completely the wrong choice. Especially as they are splitting them next week, so I suppose they felt they will be able to send Danny then as they know the public wont vote him off.

[Abbie]

Im so glad Danny B got through cos I want him to win and be Danny
I think there is a harder choice for the girls and we will see them next week, but so far my fav 'sandy' is susan

[Jessie Wallace]

Well i think the right too went tonight, it's going to be a tough choice between Danny and Anthony.

[Abbie]

Yeh I think it will be tough but I still think Danny might just do it

[hippychick215]

i think that danny wil win. and out of the girls i think susan wil win.

[tammyy2j]

I hope Anthony and Susan will win

[Abbie]

I want Danny and Susan to win :)

[tammyy2j]

Well done Susan and Danny i hope it all goes well

I think Anthony could have a singing career again

[chocolate]

i soo glad that susan and danny won it! i was soo cheering for them well done them!!! :cheer:

[Abbie]

i soo glad that susan and danny won it! i was soo cheering for them well done them!!! :cheer:

I voted for them both so Im very happy :p