Sam Hardie is the director of Grease, which is set to ignite the stage at Pitlochry Festival Theatre this summer, launching the 2025 Auditorium Season with an electrifying new production.
This fresh take on the iconic musical promises a dynamic blend of nostalgia, youthful energy, and unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll hits.
With a talented ensemble of actor-musicians, audiences can expect a vibrant journey through the trials, romance, and exuberance of 1950s Rydell High.
You’re directing Grease at Pitlochry Festival Theatre-what can you tell us about the show?
When our former Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman asked me if I would like to direct Grease, I was thrilled. I have such happy memories of watching the film and dancing and singing to its songs over the years. From school discos to club floors to weddings, I am no stranger to wanting to bounce and throw my arms open to its music.
It is an iconic musical that holds such dear memories for audiences, and I am excited to share it with Pitlochry and Blackpool. When first faced with telling this story I thought, how can we be inspired by the iconic images and moves from Randy Kleiser’s film but be representative of telling this story in 2025?
The story follows a group of young people at Rydell High School in 1959 America and how each of them survive in this world. In this group are Sandy and Danny who have fallen in love over the Summer and are unexpectedly reunited back at school. Sandy and Danny’s will they or wont the love story, is one of the most recognised contemporary love stories.
Returning to the musical after watching the film all those years ago has made me realise that this is a story not only about Sandy and Danny, but about all the other characters at Rydell High and the journeys they are on. This production celebrates each of their stories and has been inspired by the classic film. The musical was created first, then the film followed and so some audience members will be surprised to see some new songs, as well as variations on when the song is played compared to the film. I’ve really enjoyed discovering what Grease the original musical is and its story.
Grease is a beloved classic with a huge legacy. What drew you to directing this new production, and how are you approaching it for 2025 audiences?
Grease is set at Rydell High School in 1950s America. It was originally inspired by a high school in Chicago. Approaching the story for 2025 audiences it has felt important for the production that we held onto it being set in 1959 as I think there are many parallels with that time and now. It was a post war world and these young characters we see in Grease are carving their own space and on their own journeys of self-discovery. They are challenging the world they live in and how to survive in it. We have held onto this throughout rehearsals.
Watching the film growing up, I always saw a part of myself in Sandy and my journey through womanhood. We have spent lots of time in rehearsals with the cast closely looking at the story and what drives these characters to make the decisions they make, some decisions are about how to survive, and others are about how to thrive in this world. It’s been interesting to explore Sandy and Danny’s narrative in 2025 and especially looking to the end of their story. It has felt important to hold onto the idea that the decisions they make are for themselves, they both want to get back to their authentic selves, much like when they first met at the beach at the beginning of their story.
This version features a cast of actor-musicians. How does that influence the energy and storytelling on stage?
This version of Grease is led by a talented company of actor musicians which means the audience will be able to see the music played live on stage by the actors. The music in this production is over 50 years old and continues to play across dance floors, karaoke machines and radio stations across the world, and so it felt important for the music to be at the heart of this production. To see the music played live on stage has filled this production with energy, vitality and accurately tells the story of how these young people made this world what they wanted it to be; they challenged the status quo and what better way to do this than through music.
The world of Rydell High is iconic. What are some of the creative choices you and your team have made to bring the 1950s setting and its characters to life?
In a production like Grease that has such iconic images audiences know and expect from the film, ones that have held on for many years, it was important that we referenced these throughout rehearsals and in the production as inspiration. Grease was the highest box office selling film musical since the late 1970s and has only just been beaten this year by Wicked. There are many reasons why it’s so popular and why it holds onto so many hearts. Many people have memories from watching the film or performing the musical at school and so we haven’t been afraid of being inspired by the film. There are certain images audiences expect when you say Grease to them, and they are included in this production.
There is a team of over 30 brilliant cast and creatives making this production and I’m always interested in the lived experience each person brings to the production and how that informs the way we tell this story. For me, when making any work, I love collaborating; it is one of my favourite parts of my job. So, the production of Grease you will see has been shaped and created by these brilliant people bringing the 1950s setting and characters to life. Grease is full of joy and there’s a real sense of community in this school and this is at the heart of our rehearsal room and production.
Grease is known for its unforgettable songs and dance numbers. Can you share any insights into the musical or choreographic approach for this production?
I have loved working with choreographer, Kally Lloyd Jones, and musical director, Richard Reeday on Grease. We have shared a similar thought process around holding onto iconic moments from the film and finding a fresh perspective on the unforgettable songs and dance numbers. We focussed on creating the playfulness and individuality of these characters, as well as their sense of being part of a tribe when creating the song and dance numbers. It has been so exciting to watch the company blend the live music and choreography together and fill this with such energy that is infectious – it is so joyful to watch.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Grease?
In 2025, the world can feel like a scary and loud place and if you’re looking for somewhere to escape to, come and see Grease. I hope audiences can have a brilliant time watching this production, relishing in the joy from this story and these characters we see on stage. Grease was the first musical I saw many years ago and I can still remember the feeling it left me with. At Rydell High, anything is possible, and these characters remind us of the vitality of life. They love, they desire, they rebel, they dream big, and they dance – so I hope this production fills your head, heart and feet, like it did for me that first time.
Grease, directed by Sam Hardie, is at the Blackpool Grand Theatre from 4-14 June and then heads to Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 18 June -27 September
