Footloose At The Theatre Royal, Brighton Review

Reviewed by Gina Reedy

Last night we went to an unforgettable night of incredible singing; vibrant costumes; 1980’s dance music and iconic songs, including Let’s Hear it for the Boys; Holding out for a Hero and, of course, Footloose. It was so exciting to have the opportunity to see this joy-filled production of Footloose, at The Theatre Royal, Brighton, especially as this production had been delayed from 2020 due to Covid- I am so glad it wasn’t cancelled.

After it’s UK opening in Plymouth, the show arrived in Brighton, yesterday.
Getting into the Theatre Royal was very easy with the theatre car park a short walk through a lively pedestrian area with bars and restaurants. The 214 year old theatre is in the style of a grand dame with all the chandeliers, gold leaf and velvet chairs one imagines. There is the opportunity to buy a wide range of drinks and snacks in the refurbished bar (currently housing a contemporary black and white photo exhibition) before entering the multi-tiered auditorium.

The storyline follows that of the 1984 film of the same name, starring Kevin Bacon. Teenage boy, Ren (played by Joshua Hawkins), is having to move from the big city, Chicago, with his mother, to live with his uncle, as his father has left them. His uncle lives in a hick town, in the middle of nowhere, called Bomont. As the new kid in town Ren has to face all the challenges of fitting into the new school and community which is made more difficult when he discovers that following a tragedy five years ago, all dancing is banned. Ren’s passion in life is music and dance and this ban causes him to directly contest the rules of the community religious leader, the Rev. Shaw Moore (played by Darren Day).

Right from the beginning you are taken back to the 80’s with the footloose logo on the fire screen curtain. The cast set the pace for a great night out. Their musicality is what makes this an absolutely unique musical. The ‘Footloose’ opening dance and song gave an insight of what was to come. It is the first time that I have seen a cast play all instruments live, as well as singing, dancing and acting their roles.

The group dances were really in sync and performed dynamically by the whole cast. Throughout the show the variety of dance steps happening simultaneously gave a real sense of excitement- truly reflecting the title in the looseness of the dance and the kicking off your Sunday shoes (a reference again to the religious rules). This was supported by the clever stage scenery of moveable sets, diner style seats and roller skating musicians.

There were so many great moments in the show. The strength of the singing talent and instrumental diversity makes for a really strong performance all round.

The song Somebody’s Eyes had beautiful harmonies as Rusty (played by Oonagh Cox); Urleen (played by Samantha Richards) and Wendy Jo (played by Jess Barker) warned Ren that in a small town all his actions would be observed. Despite the warning Ren’s determined to bring dancing to Bomont.

In the story Ren makes friends with his comedic side kick, Willard (played by Jake Quickenden). Willard’s gentle giant character develops as his relationship with his love interest, Rusty, does. Both these actors had awesome voices- great strength and range. Additionally the strip from denim dungarees to skin tight gold shorts by Willard, was met with great approval by the audience. There was a natural tension and very believable story between these two.

Lucy Munden’s vocals (as the Reverend’s daughter, Ariel) in Holding out for a Hero were absolutely amazing. Her voice range and the way it filled the auditorium was stunning.

As the Reverend, Darren Day’s huge voice quality and experience of musical theatre shone through. His diction, volume and range as well as his acting means he commands the stage, whenever he is on.

The two mothers in the show- Ren’s mother Ethel (played by Geri Allen) and Vi Moore, Ariel’s mother (played by Holly Ashton) were suitably under played contrasting their amazing voices. Their song Learning to be Silent was hugely moving and an excellent counterpoint to the lively teenage dances of the younger characters.

The curtain call was a reprise of all the well-known songs and the audience joined in with singing and dancing. It was a great ending to a joyful night out. It is only showing until 26 February so I’d recommend booking now and going tomorrow!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Tickets from £13 (plus £3.65 booking fee)

Footloose is at The Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton BN1 1SD, until 26 February 2022.

For more information and to make a booking tickets can be bought from:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/footloose/theatre-royal-brighton/