GREASE is the word for Centenary Theatre Company next week.

Around 30 cast members and more than 20 people working behind the scenes will be bringing 1950s America to The Brindley in Runcorn from Tuesday to Saturday.

Rachael Benfield has been a member of the 115-year-old Warrington drama group for seven years.

The former Great Sankey High School and Penketh Sixth Form student said it has been great fun being transported back to the high school world of Sandy and Danny.

"It's the full 1950s experience," she said.

"There's a lot of work that goes in to making the whole show as authentic as possible – on stage and off – accents, hairstyles, sets, costumes, props.

"People should feel like they're being transported back in time.

"The 1950s was the start of the teenager culture. For the girls it was an era of poodle skirts and pin up hairstyles and for the guys leather jackets and ducktail hairstyles.

"Couple that with drive in movies, diners and rock and roll makes lots of enjoyment for a young cast of performers."

Rachael reckons Grease still has a devoted following almost 40 years on because of its music and its characters that people can still relate to.

The 27-year-old added: "Most people will have done the Greased Lightning dance at a family party and the characters were so recognisable. Everyone knew a Danny or a Rizzo at their own high school.

"It's basically a story of being a teenager, falling in love, fitting in with friends and trying to get through school with your street cred in tact. We can all relate..."

- Grease is at The Brindley from Tuesday to Saturday. Visit thebrindley.org.uk for tickets

DAVID MORGAN