Theatre features

You can step into Grease’s Rydell High with this immersive show

WHEN you think of a live show, you probably think of the West End or something happening on a stage.

But what if I told you there is a great show that merges the magic of the West End with an immersive experience? AND you can get discounted tickets?

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical will end on September 13 Credit: Cyann Fielding
The show is also an immersive experience Credit: Luke Dyson

That’s exactly what Secret Cinema’s, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is like, and you can get cheaper tickets through Sun Club.

If you sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month or just £9.99 for one year in our summer sale, you can get an extra 10 per cent off show tickets with London Theatre Direct.

Once you’ve signed up, head to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the London Theatre Direct offer, or simply click here.

Plus, you’ll get unlimited access to our award-winning articles, exclusive showbiz scoops, and a huge range of other offers and discounts too – from early access to book Hols From £9.50, free racing tickets to top UK racecourses and 2-4-1 tickets to theme parks.

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Found in Battersea Park in South West London, the show fully immersed me in the world of Rydell High – think lots of red, carnival lights and American-style food trucks.

I was back in 1959 and had just become another student alongside Sandy and Danny.

It wasn’t long before I was welcomed to my first day of school by a rather chirpy student.

One of the best things about the staging and setting, is that all guests dress up to participate – something I would recommend to make it really feel like you are part of Rydell High.

Upon entering, there is a huge outdoor area full of carnival attractions – guests can purchase carnival tokens, just like at a real fair to enjoy the different attractions.

Make sure to arrive some time before the show so you can enjoy the Ferris Wheel, Flying Chairs, Hook-a-Duck and even the iconic funhouse from Sandy’s unforgettable transformation scene.

The staging and sets sprawl both inside and outside Credit: Luke Dyson

In the fairground, you can also pick up food which is typical American-style fast food such as burgers and hot dogs.

There’s also a few bars to grab a tipple, with a Lillet Hugo Spritz (nodding to The Pink Ladies) setting me back £12.50.

When the show starts, all guests head to Battersea Evolution which has been transformed into the iconic scenes from the film including the school gymnasium, the movie drive-in and Frosty’s Palace – which is where my table was.

Filled with classic American booths in blue and white, the diner looked just like it does in the film.

Guests can purchase either roaming tickets or seated tickets – the latter having the benefit that you have a base but can also roam around the stage and sets.

The experience kicks off with the film itself, but as key scenes played out, actors bring the film to life, including those famous songs.

I couldn’t help but tap my feet and sing along.

Across the different scenes, characters will interact with guests.

Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.
You can also grab food and drink at the experience Credit: Cyann Fielding

One student dropped by our table to rant about being ‘left out of Frenchy’s sleepover’ – dragging us directly into the drama.

And then there are other scenes that are more like performances, such as when Danny is looking at his car as mechanic flip and dance around him.

For the finale – spoiler alert – the audience heads back outside to the carnival, with Sandy’s final transformation scene and song ‘You’re the One That I Want’ being the ultimate celebration.

I really did ‘have me a blast’ and definitely one to watch before the experience ends – definitely a five-star experience.

And of course, there are tonnes of photo opps.

The experience runs until September 13 in Battersea Park, London and standing tickets cost from £29 per person and seated tickets cost from £39 per person.

But if you sign up to Sun Club, you can get ‘ll get an extra 10 per cent off tickets.

Click below to sign up to Sun Club and bag yourself discounted tickets.

And head on a number of carnival rides Credit: Cyann Fielding

Q&A What you need to know

Is there a minimum age requirement for attending the show?

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is recommended for ages 18-years-old and above, with children under the age of five-years-old not permitted.

All those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Do you agree with the age rating?

To get the most of the experience, I would recommend only attending if you are 18-years-old or older.

How much is the programme and is any merch available?

The souvenir programme costs £10 and merch is available including tote bags, Pink Ladies jackets and T-Bird jackets.

Any extras?

There are six themed bars in the theatre. There is also a cloakroom charging £2.50 per item.

Is there a best seat in the house?

Anywhere – due to the design of the experience, every seat has a great view.

Where’s the closest affordable hotel?

The Pestana Chelsea Bridge is less than a 10-minute walk away and costs from £133 per night. Fancy something more luxury? Art’otel London Battersea Power Station is a 15-minute walk away with a rooftop pool and views of Battersea Power Station costing from around £262 per night.

Where is the closest place to get a pint?

The Mason’s Arms is a 19th century pub with a recently refurbished interior around a 10-minute walk away. A pint here will set you back over £6.

Where is the closest place to have a meal?

If you don’t want food at the experience, you’ll need to head out of the park, but fortunately Battersea Power Station is a 10-minute walk away with lots of restaurants including Meghan’s, Nando’s and Dishoom.

I want to make a day of it. What else is nearby?

Battersea Power Station is a great spot to explore with lots of shops and often events going on. Make sure to head up The Chimney Lift which heads up 109 metres and has great views of the city. It costs from £16 per person.

18+ England, Scotland and Wales residents only. Sun Savers multiple code collect 29/08/26-05/09/26 or subscription to Sun Club or digital subscription required. Online access required. Booking closes 23:59pm on 29/09/26. Non-transferable & non-refundable. Offer valid on a first time flyer experience only at all IFLY locations across England. Flights must be booked between August 29- September 29 and must take place before Friday January 1, 2027. Subject to availability. Not valid on voucher purchases. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other other offer, discount, voucher or promotion.  T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club. Sun Club new customer offer: £1.99 per month or £9.99 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter unless you cancel at least seven days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, see thesun.co.uk/club.



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All of the best theatre days out for kids

THE SCHOOL summer holidays have finally started and if you have kids, you’ll definitely be looking for things to do.

One of the best ways to keep kids entertained – and in gloriously cool air-con – is a theatre show, and many cost less than the cost of a cinema ticket.

There are a number of West End shows for different age groups Credit: ITV Press Release
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According to research conducted by SeatPlan, families can still see some of London’s biggest productions from as little as £12 this summer – less than the price of a medium Domino’s pizza.

So here are the best they’ve found for all ages, ranging from two to 13.

Age two and older

Be Like Blippi – from £24 per ticket

Blippi is a well-known children’s TV character and this summer, in London, you can catch them on stage with a new interactive show.

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The show boasts music, learning and audience participation.

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – from £12 per ticket

What kid doesn’t love Peppa Pig?

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show features the TV show’s most-loved characters including Peppa themself.

The show is also interactive.

Ages three to four

If you have little kids, then The Tiger Who Came to Tea! is a great option Credit: Pamela Raith
Or for even younger ones you could see Peppa Pig on stage Credit: Butlins

The Tiger Who Came to Tea – from £12 per ticket

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a much-loved children’s book, so what better way to enjoy it more than seeing the theatre adaptation?

You can expect songs and audience interaction throughout.

The Gruffalo – from £12 per ticket

Another show based on a children’s book is The Gruffalo.

Bring Julia Donaldson’s character to life, the 55-minute show features three characters that the audience interacts with including singing songs.

SeatPlan recommends for the smaller shows, including plays and dramas, it is better to sit closer to the stage so you can see all the performers.

Ages five to six

Slightly older kids could enjoy Roald Dahl’s Matilda Credit: Alamy
Or perhaps Disney’s Lion King Credit: Getty

Matilda The Musical – from £24 per ticket

For kids a little older, Matilda is a great option – with a powerful story about imagination and courage, it remains one of the capital’s most popular family shows for a reason.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding, who recently saw the show, said: “I have to admit – while I loved Rah Dahl growing up, Matilda was not my favourite story of his.

“But, any excuse to see one of his stories on stage, and I’ll be there.

“And now I take everything back – the stage show is better than the film and does the book justice, with an amazing stage set and catchy songs that will get your hips moving in your seat.

“The fact that most the performers in this show are children just make it all the more impressive.

“Definitely will be loved by both parents and children alike.”

For bigger productions, SeatPlan advises sitting further back so you can fully take in the stage and sets.

The Lion King – from £40 per ticket

The Lion King is consistently dubbed one of the best stage shows in London and follows the classic story you know and love from the Disney movie.

And it isn’t one just for the kids, adults who grew up with the films will love it just as much.

Cyann also recently saw the show and said: “Mindblowing is the first thought that comes to mind when I think of The Lion King stage show.

“The costumes, the songs, the dancing, the sets – are all simply breathtaking.

“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be inspired and you’ll leave wanting to immediately watch it again.”

Despite being the most expensive show on this list, the team at SeatPlan states: “The cheapest seats aren’t always the worst seats.

“In many West End theatres, moving back just a few rows can save £30-£60 per ticket with very little difference in the overall view.”

Ages seven to eight

Sticking with the Disney theme, there is also Wicked Credit: Alamy
And Hercules, which Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said is full of nostalgia Credit: Getty

Wicked – from £25 per ticket

Thanks to the recent films, there is no better time to go and see Wicked on stage.

The show has amazing visuals, memorable songs and a story which both kids and adults can enjoy.

Cyann said: “Wicked was the very first West End I ever watched and it did not disappoint.

“Not knowing what to expect from a West End show, Wicked blew me away with its breathtaking sets, detailed costumes, emotional and inspiring songs and dramatic effects that will leave your mind blown.

“To date, it is still one of the best West End shows I’ve seen.”

Disney’s Hercules – from £29 per ticket

Full of humour, known songs and outgoing characters, Hercules is perfect for children ready for bigger productions.

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill said: “Zero to Hero, Go the Distance, I Won’t Say I’m in Love – I was hit with a wave of nostalgia when I went to see Hercules at Royal Drury Lane.

“The production of the Disney film has everything you want from a musical, fabulous dance routines, comedy, tragedy and a bit of cheese too.

“The highlight has to be The Muses, a group of five goddesses, and they have the voices of them too.

“Their incredible outfits dazzled with every number – and each time they took to the stage, they were met with rapturous applause.

“I’d go back purely to see them sing A Star is Born.”

Ages nine to 10

For Harry Potter fans, head to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Credit: Getty
Soon the performance will be merged from two shows to one Credit: Manuel Harlan

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – from £31 per ticket

For younger Harry Potter fans, this magical stage production has spectacular effects, surprises and adventure throughout.

Cyann said: “As a massive Harry Potter fan, I had been wanting to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for years.

“I eventually then won the lottery for cheap tickets and saw both parts – though it is soon being merged into one performance.

“It is a must for Potterheads and will leave you smiling, crying and feel inspired.

“The onstage tricks also help to make it feel as if you are one of the students at Hogwarts.”

Horrible Histories – from £19 per ticket

What kid didn’t watch Horrible Histories when growing up?

And now kid can re-live it through its stage performance, complete with jokes, song and educational moments.

When it comes to picking a show, the bigger names might be tempting but SeatPlan advises: “Look beyond the biggest show – everyone heads straight for the biggest blockbuster musicals, but many newer productions offer outstanding entertainment with much lower ticket prices.”

Ages 11 to 13

For pre-teens, Hamilton is a good choice Credit: ITV Press Release
Or you could sing along to all the songs at Mamma Mia Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Hamilton – from £24 per ticket

One of the biggest theatre phenomena in the world. Older children and teenagers studying history or interested in music will be completely hooked by its unique blend of storytelling, rap and musical theatre.

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens said: “There’s a reason the Hamilton soundtrack is the most streamed musical theatre soundtrack of all time.

“Watching the show on the West End will have you uncontrollably moving to its 90’s R&B and Hip Hop-inspired songs, plus the harmonies of the Schuyler sisters really scratch that itch in your brain.

“It’s the history class you wish you had been taught: fast, funny, and heart-wrenching all at once.”

Mamma Mia! – from £18 per ticket

Perfect for families wanting a theatre trip that everyone can enjoy. Older children and teenagers will love the ABBA soundtrack, while parents get the nostalgia factor.

Cyann said: “Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good film and the show is the same.

“You can expect all the iconic songs to sing along too, as well as vibrant sets and costumes that transport you to Greece.”

Extra tips from SeatPlan

HERE are some other tips from the team at SeatPlan:

The front of the Dress Circle is often the best-value seat in the theatre

For large musicals, the front row of the Dress Circle often offers the best views.

From these seats, you can see the stage in full, including the choreography and set design, and sometimes these tickets cost less than premium Stalls seats.

Don’t always book in the middle

Many people immediately choose the centre of the Stalls, but slightly off-centre seats are often much cheaper while offering an almost identical experience.

Premium seats aren’t always worth the extra cost

Seats immediately behind the premium section can usually deliver virtually the same view for significantly less money.

Always check real audience photos before booking

A seat marked as ‘restricted view’ isn’t always as restrictive as people expect.

To check, look at real seat photos, which you can do on SeatPlan’s website.

Book midweek if you can

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances are usually noticeably cheaper than Friday and Saturday evenings.

Compare before you buy

Prices for exactly the same seat can vary between ticket sellers.

Taking a few extra minutes to compare prices can save a surprising amount.

SeatPlan compares prices from four leading ticket websites automatically

Use seat reviews, not just a seating plan

A theatre seating plan only tells you where a seat is.

Real audience reviews tell you what it’s actually like to sit there, helping you avoid overpaying.

Be flexible with dates

If you can swap your visit by a day or two, you can find much better ticket availability and lower prices than on the busiest performances.

You can see last minute price drops on SeatPlan’s website.



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