First Casting Announced for Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical‘s Secret Cinema Return
The immersive spectacular that took London by storm in 2025 is heading back to Battersea Park this summer, with a great cast and even more ways to lose yourself in Rydell High.
Secret Cinema has revealed the first wave of casting for the return of Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical, confirming that two favourites from the original run will be slipping back into their leather jackets and poodle skirts this summer.
Stephanie Costi and Lucy Penrose reprise their roles as Sandy and Rizzo and they are joined by Giórgios Micheldes as Danny and Archangelo Ciulla as Kenickie.
The production opens at Evolution London in Battersea Park on 22 July, running until 13 September in a strictly limited engagement. Given that last year’s run sold out completely, anyone planning to go should probably get booking.
What to Expect
For the uninitiated, this is not a standard night at the theatre. From the moment you walk through the door, you are inside the world of the 1978 Paramount Pictures film.
The venue is transformed into Rydell High’s most iconic locations, including Frosty Palace, the Autoshop and the Carnival and the audience is actively pulled into the story rather than kept behind a fourth wall.
That means training with Coach Calhoun, cheering on the T-Birds, joining choir practice and eating 1950s American diner food while it all unfolds around you.
The music is performed live throughout. Every song from the film, from “Summer Nights” to “Greased Lightnin'” to “We Go Together”, is delivered by a full cast and live band performing against multiple movie screens.
New for 2026: More Ways to Roam
Due to popular demand, this year’s run expands its “Roam and Return” seating options, giving audiences dedicated spots at either Frosty Diner or The Drive-In to return to between explorations. It is a smart addition that lets you fully wander the experience without spending two hours searching for somewhere to sit.
The Creative Team
The production is directed by Matthew Costain, with choreography by Jennifer Weber and set design by Tom Rogers. Howard Hudson handles lighting, Gareth Fry is on sound, Steve Sidwell serves as Music Supervisor and Ian William Galloway takes care of video design. Costumes are by Susan Kulkarni and Martina Trottman, with wigs, hair and make-up by Farida Ghedwar and Jessie Deol.
REVIEW: Grease The Immersive Movie Musical (August 2025)
More About The Cast
Stephanie Costi (Sandy) has previously appeared in Something Rotten! at Manchester Opera House, Pretty Woman in Zurich and Romeo and Juliet with English National Ballet. She came third in ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream.
Giórgios Micheldes (Danny) served as Justin Timberlake’s opening act on the Forget Tomorrow World Tour and has played Danny Zuko before in both the UK tour and at the Dominion Theatre. He has also appeared in Disney’s Newsies at the Troubadour and Here Come the Boys at the London Palladium.
Lucy Penrose (Rizzo) brings considerable range to the role, with credits spanning Judy! at the Arts Theatre and Southwark Playhouse, Top Hat and a television appearance in Watchmen.
Archangelo Ciulla (Kenickie) earned a Stage Debut Award nomination for Best Performer in a Musical for Disney’s Newsies at the Troubadour, and has appeared in the West End production of Mamma Mia! and A Knight’s Tale The Musical at Manchester Opera House.
