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Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson has been cast as Teen Angel in Secret Cinema and TodayTix’s return staging of “Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical,” set to run at Evolution London in Battersea Park from July 22
to Sept. 13.
Wilson joins a cast that includes Giórgios Michaelídes as Danny and Archangelo Ciulla as Kenickie, alongside returning cast members Stephanie Costi and Lucy Penrose as Sandy and Rizzo respectively, both reprising roles from last year’s sold-out run. Full casting is to be announced.
“At school I was in ‘Grease’ and I feel I have to redeem myself,” Wilson said. “I was not yet the international pop sensation I am today and I only really wanted to do it cos I fancied the girl who played Frenchie (I was Doody) so this is my chance to show everyone I should have got a bigger part. I don’t believe anyone from that production is now a professional singer, so in short, I win.”
Wilson, who will appear as Teen Angel across selected dates in July and August, is best known as the lead singer of Kaiser Chiefs. The band has accumulated three Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello award and sales of 8 million albums, with credits including the No. 1 single “Ruby.” The band recently completed a world tour marking the 20th anniversary of “Employment.” Wilson has also served as a coach on ITV’s “The Voice U.K.,” hosted Sky One’s “Bring the Noise” and appeared on “The Masked Singer U.K.” in 2023, where he finished as runner-up.
The production features the full song catalogue of the 1978 Paramount Pictures film performed by a live cast and band against multiple movie screens. Audiences move through recreated locations including Frosty Palace, the Autoshop and the Carnival before taking part in activities tied to the film’s world.
The creative team is led by director Matthew Costain and choreographer Jennifer Weber. This summer’s run will expand on last year’s offering with additional themed Roam and Return seating options, allowing audiences to choose between dedicated spots at Frosty Diner or the Drive-In.
The production is co-produced by Secret Cinema – whose artistic director and co-founder is Merritt Baer, with Ben Hosford as executive producer – and TodayTix.
