Same here. I went to see the new incarnation of it in Wembley a couple of weeks ago. It’s ok but nothing like the original and best. Making greaseball a woman, changing some of the main characters and replacing Popa with Moma were huge mistakes.
I was lucky enough to see this 3 times in its opening 2 years. My first time was just outside the inner track and then second time inside the inner track. Third time was nearer the back. It really was the most extraordinary thing I've ever seen, and we used to listen to the soundtrack at home REALLY loud! (" CONTROL CONTROL....!!"). The BBC torpedoed the press opening night. They were outside in a mobile broadcasting unit, and started broadcasting on the same frequency as the stage mic's during Stephanie's big number at the end causing mirth and embarrassment.
I saw it three times at the Apollo Vic and many times in other places. My first thought on entering the theatre for the first time was how the hell are they going to roller skate on such a tiny stage? The solution was pure genius... no point in describing it, you had to be there, and I was. 😁
