THE Pink Ladies are back - and judging by the suitably-dressed female contingent in the Liverpool Empire audience they have never really been away.

Grease is a smash-hit, ever-reliable West End show still playing to packed-out houses.

I have lost count of the Dannys and Sandys I've seen, but each stamps his or her own mark on the dream roles.

It's a busy fast-paced show.

Did you know that in this production there are 140 costume changes involving 59 wigs and more than 700 t-shirts get washed a month.

Oh, and ten jumbo cans of hairspray are used every week.

Visually it is sparkling - including an illuminated guitar and world famous T-Bird car.

Tom Parker, from boy band Wanted, is one of the well-known faces in this lively, polished production dirctetd by Davld Gilmlore with Arlene Phillips' choreography.

He is joined in the 20-plus cast by Danielle Hope, star of TV's Over the Rainbow.

She is perfect casting as the blossoming, sexy-in-waiting siren Sandy and EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing star Louise Lytton is outstanding as Rizzo.

A superb on-stage seven-piece band provides the toe-tapping when necessary alongside the sing-a-long pop ballads and soulful numbers.

And what a soundtrack.

In over two hours plus there's Summer nights, You're the one that I want, Greased lightnin' and Hopelessly devoted to you. 

The title track is also a pop classic.

Tom is tailor-made for the leather-jacketed Fonz-like Danny.

A key member of the T -Birds and a very good dancer, too.

Grease started out as a gritty musical back in 1971 in Chicago.

It went on to see Richard Gere as Danny before John Travolta and Olivia Newton John made it their own in the 1978 film.

It is a tribute to the working-class groups known as 'Greasers' in Chicago.

Here we join in with the Rydell High school renunion of 1955 a chance to catch up wth the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds and their rock and roll dreams to an Elvis-styled backdrop.

It's always a pleasure seeing Darren Day and he is at his versatile best as DJ Vince best described in my book as 'Quiff Richard' and the white-suited, dreamboat Teen Angel.

Darren always goes down well in in Liverpool. He adds the right amount of humour and spot-on timing.

Grease is the word and in this highly energetic and enjoyable production for all ages the word is also FUN - from the Overture to standing ovation finale.

Super Slick!

Four stars

The show is at the Empire until Saturday, April 8

Tickets from 0844 871 3017