Music: Tom Snow
Lyrics: Dean Pitchford
Director: Racky Plews
It is time to drag the 80s clothes out of the cupboard and head to the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent where Footloose is on tour. Based on the 1984 film, Footloose currently stars celebrities Jake Quickenden and Darren Day. Footloose first hit the Broadway stage in 1998 and has experienced successful runs ever since. Directed by Racky Plews, this show is perfectly timed for the start of summer and the theatre urges the audience to dress up and enjoy the party.
Chicago born teen, Ren (Joshhua Hawkins) isn’t happy about moving to Bomont, after his dad leaves. He struggles to fit in and can’t believe the town has a dancing and rock music ban after the town experienced a tragic loss. Ren has a job on his hands encouraging the matriarch of the town to bring dancing and fun back into their lives.
All the music is live and played on stage by the multi-talented ensemble, who dance, sing, and play instruments. This means right from the start the stage is full of energy as they burst into the title song Footloose. The performers set a fast but steady pace and the story is easy to follow.
Hawkins is a strong lead as Ren, he is charismatic and likeable despite his bad boy image. Darren Day is quite the veteran of musicals and still holds his own as the strict Rev.Shaw Moore who he plays with great depth and sensitivity.
Lucy Munden makes her debut professional role as Ariel Moore. She embraces this part with such confidence that is hard to believe she has recently graduated. Quickenden plays the loveable Willard who becomes Ren’s loyal companion. Although Quickenden creates a lot of audience interest by his presence alone, his bromance with Ren is endearing to watch, and it is always a delight to see the cast enjoy performing a show.
The overall casting is impeccable and great attention has been put into searching for upcoming UK talent. A particular mention needs to be made for Oonagh Cox as Rusty whose performance of ‘Let’s hear it for boy’ is a triumph. Another highlight is Holding out for a Hero which has some very cheeky moments and the added humorous touch of a fan for the classic soft rock wind effect.
The original film is a lot darker and focuses on loss and pain. This theme still resonates in the musical and does so with sensitivity and respect. But it is also uplifting to watch and is as bright as 80s neon. There are certainly comparisons to today’s post pandemic world as we all learn to dance, celebrate life, and move forward. Footloose is one of those musicals that gives the public a great night out and won’t disappoint.
Runs untill 26 March 2022
The Reviews Hub Score
An action-packed delight.
