Taking on the role of Teen Angel in a version of Grease that surrounds the audience represents some form of poetic justice for Ricky Wilson.
When he was a teenager at Leeds Grammar School, the future Kaiser Chiefs lead singer was given a minor part in the musical set in the 1950s.
He explains that having only a small role back then makes this current opportunity his chance to prove the school casting director wrong.
He believes he may be the sole person from the 1993 Grease cast who went on to make a living as a musician.
A former girlfriend who appeared alongside him in the production reached out to him about the recording still existing on VHS – he had a guitar but was merely miming the performance – and he jokes that this footage might resurface on the Graham Norton Show.
Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson is preparing to portray Teen Angel in Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical at Battersea Park.
Wilson is well known for his energetic rock ‘n’ roll stage jumps, but for this production he will be dressed in a sparkling outfit as Frenchy’s celestial guide, performing Beauty School Drop Out in Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical.
The performance unfolds around and before the viewers, who can occupy seats on the Rydell High bleachers, enjoy the fairground attractions, and tuck into hot dogs and milkshakes while taking in a blend of live scenes and the original movie.
Wilson mentions that during rehearsals with the film playing, he was taken aback by how much of it he recalled.
Although his character is significant, his stage time is limited, and there is just a small amount of acting involved, which suits him fine as he considers himself a poor actor – essentially portraying himself.
He describes it as enjoyable and mentions wearing an eye-catching costume.
Wilson has resided in north London for twenty years, ever since the indie pop group achieved major success in the mid-2000s. He purchased his initial property without viewing it in Primrose Hill and more recently moved to Crouch End.
Now happily wedded to his spouse Grace, with four-year-old twins, he is approaching his fifties and welcomes enjoyable opportunities like the Battersea Park Grease production.
He explains that having reached this stage of life, when invited to participate he no longer questions whether it is appropriate, instead asking whether he is able to take part. He remains receptive to projects and appreciates securing work. He has previously been approached about musical theatre roles but the demands of eight performances weekly proved too much when combined with his main career.
That main career involves the band that originated in Leeds in 2003, named after the South African football organisation Kaizer Chiefs as a tribute to distinguished Leeds United player Lucas Radebe.
After playing countless pub venues and supporting other acts, their first successful release was the Employment album in 2005, followed by chart successes including I Predict a Riot, Every Day I Love You Less and Less, and Ruby.
Wilson spent three years serving as a judge on the BBC competition The Voice, by which point he had traded his Primrose Hill flat for what he describes as a rock star residence in Highgate featuring a swimming pool.
He explains that his regular work still involves gathering at the same Leeds rehearsal space where they first began three decades ago and performing across various locations.
He describes Leeds as wonderful, comparing it to school friendships where contact may lapse but connection remains instant when reuniting.
The locals have remained unchanged – they are wonderful and he still feels entirely at home there.
The group constitutes a huge part of his existence and considerable enjoyment, they are friends who tend towards melancholy but not while performing.
When questioned about contractual requirements for specific hospitality provisions, he replies no, explaining that finances are tight and such requests would simply result in personal payment.
He mentions an upcoming trip to Spain with the group. Previously they would have embarked on tour with transport arranged to the airport without even needing to look at their passport.
Currently he is travelling independently via the Underground and train to Luton, describing it as considerably more efficient.
Ricky Wilson appears as Teen Angel in Grease The Immersive Musical until September 13 at Evolution London, Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Queenstown Road, London SW11 4NJ.
www.greasetheimmersivemoviemusical.com