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This is a joyous musical filled with energy, emotion and incredible vocals. It has a talented cast, clever staging and creates an evening of fun theatre that will make you want to cut loose! Summary
Rating
Excellent
Footloose is a favourite show of mine, with its catchy, uplifting songs and brilliant dance numbers. Although I wanted slightly more energy from the staging and direction in the first act, the singing is stellar and ‘Holding out for a Hero’ and ‘Hear it for the Boy’ raise the energy level up, where it remains for the rest of the show.
Among an incredibly talented ensemble cast, Joshua Hawkins as Ren portrays a conflicted, charming teen with comedy and exceptional dance moves. Meanwhile, Lucy Munden as Ariel and Oonagh Cox as Rusty demonstrate their phenomenal performance skills, not only in their impressive riffs and belts, but also in their comedy, their ability to act through song and to pull off fun choreography. Willard, portrayed by Aston Merrygold, is hilarious; his comedic timing is excellent and his dancing skills are impressive. Darren Day as Reverend Shaw Moore is a fantastic singer, who demonstrates intense emotion throughout ‘Heaven Help Me’ and rocks a sparkly tux in the finale.
Both Ariel and Wren’s mothers, performed by Holly Ashton and Geri Allen, sing a beautiful rendition of ‘Learning to be Silent’ and engage wonderfully with their children. Meanwhile Rusty and her friends act as a Greek chorus and help move the story along, injecting humour. The song ‘Somebody’s Eyes’ is a particularly amazing display of their gorgeous harmonies.
I loved Footloose’s finale set and the clever use of props and set design to imply scene changes throughout. Particularly clever lockers and cars really immerse the audience in the 1980s genre. I would, however, have enjoyed more movement in some diner scenes, to keep the pace going.
The cast all play their own instruments on stage; having them sing, dance, then play the guitar, saxophone, clarinet, and multiple other instruments WHILST dancing is such a unique and exciting addition to this production.
Overall, Footloose is a brilliant, enjoyable evening of theatre with gorgeous songs performed by an incredibly talented cast.
Original book by: Walter Bobbie and Dean Pritchford
Music by: Tom Snow
Lyrics by: Dean Pitchford
Produced by: Selladoor Productions
Directed by: Racky Plews
Choreography by: Matt Cole
Musical Supervision by: Mark Crossland
Design by: Sara Perks
Footloose plays at New Wimbledon Theatre until 20 August. Further information and bookings can be found here.
