REVIEW | Footloose, UK Tour
FOOTLOOSE
UK Tour
★★★★
The last time I saw Sell A Door Theatre's company touring production of Footloose in 2016, I left feeling flat. Footloose is pre-empted to be a great night out at the theatre and I wanted to feel the buzz I felt when I saw it in the West End back in the early 2000s. This new production had high hopes to live up to!
Based on the screen sensation from the 1980s, Footloose follows Ren, a teenager from Chicago who is forced to move to a rural area of America. Little does he know that things in Beaumont are far worse than he could have imagined. Beaumont doesn't allow the town to dance and it is not long before Ren realises he is not the only one breaking the rules.
Sara Perks' design details reflect the narrative clearly, such as the costumes being traditional, women wearing cardigans, and below-knee skirts. Perks has done a great job in showing us the main thread that runs through the show. The transitions to more risqué clothing from the women, some props being used between different areas with the same materials, and the cast of this show playing the music live themselves. This does suggest their underlying desire for things to alter. There is some very clever use of tricks with this design and the use of props for the smaller venues that they may encounter during the tour helps develop the whole aesthetic of this performance.
However, there are moments when you are hit by the vibrancy of the costumes and Chris Davey's carefully curated lighting that really emphasizes the more energetic areas of this show.
Footloose does have an easy-to-follow narrative that works for new audiences and some absolute bangers from the 80s including 'Holding Out For A Hero', 'Let's Hear It For The Boy', and title song 'Footloose' that both entertain and uplift you. This production for me was let down by the choreography, it feels loose and leaves little to be inspired by.
This cast sustains the high energy needed for this show though, especially when for most it also involves playing a musical instrument on stage. We cannot deny that this cast had executed the juggling of acting, singing, dancing, and playing their instruments all at the same time. They were barely static throughout the entire show! Joshua Hawkins has made good strides in his role as Ren. Hawkins immediately commands the stage as soon as we first encounter him and his characteristics for this role shine on that stage.
Alongside him as Ariel Moore is Lucy Munden. Having just graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in 2021, Munden has huge boots to fill in such a well-known role. She absolutely makes Aerial's character her own, proving she has the right amount of determination and belt in her vocal ability to fulfil her character. She manages to make her rendition of 'Almost Paradise' sound effortless and is most definitely a talent to behold once this tour is over.
LISTEN NOW: Interview with Lucy Munden, Footloose UK Tour
One other recent graduate I was immediately drawn to in this performance was Oonagh Cox. Her performance as Rusty was flawless and her rendition of 'Somebody's Eyes' gave me goosebumps!
This production has two well-known names on the bill. Darren Day takes on the role of Rev. Shaw Moore whilst Jake Quickenden delights audiences as Willard. They both brought a whole new layer to Footloose and how their characters integrate with the show. Jake Quickenden is relaxed and effortlessly funny as Willard. I liked him far better than the last person who was on the tour in 2016. Darren Day shows his experience as a well-trusted performer who knows how to command the stage and breathe new life into this character.
LISTEN NOW: Interview with Darren Day, Footloose UK Tour
Footloose is a great night at the theatre, but a larger-scale production of this musical is still needed to give it the oomph it deserves! There is a hugely talented cast behind it and it will certainly be a musical that won't have you standing still!