Reviewed by Louise Turton
Everybody cut loose for this cracker of a show!
Returning to a favourite theatre of mine, with my twelve year old daughter, I had a mixture of excitement, anticipation and also a little dread as to how one of my favourite films of my youth could be realised on the stage. We arrived and easily found free parking on the street behind Venue Cymru although there is also ample paid parking in their car park. After the recent sad news events the theatre had security checks at the entrance though it was swift and efficient so provided no hold ups in the collection of our tickets. As per normal we were greeted to a warm welcome in this lovely, charming venue.
After purchasing some refreshments for the show, we found our fantastic seats and waited for the show to begin. As previously stated Footloose is a firm favourite of mine since growing up with it in the eighties so I was wary to how it would transfer from film, but from the opening number of ‘Footloose’ my doubts soon evaporated.
Footloose tells the story of Ren McCormack, a young man forced to move with his mother from the hustle and bustle of Chicago to the small country town of Bomont where dancing is banned and Ren is quickly alienated due to his views. This stage version featured a small cast of fourteen plus a drummer and starred Gareth Gates as Willard and Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore.
Joshua Dowen as Ren McCormack was outstanding in his performance. I must admit to having doubts at first about Gareth Gates portrayal of Willard as he played him as a much more cartoon characterization than in the film adaptation but soon his performance grew on me as you realised his performance was being played for the comedy side. His portrayal also involved a few scenes of innuendo although luckily this appeared to go unnoticed by my daughter who questioned me as to what the laughing was about!
As in the film the show features a score of toe-tapping songs with also a few new tunes having been introduced, and what makes this show unique is that each cast member plays all the instruments involved. ‘Somebody’s Eyes’ was fabulous and I cannot praise Laura Stillett enough in her performance as Rusty, my daughter and myself both found her charming throughout. Other highlights included ‘Holding Out For A Hero’ with a special thank you to Gareth Gates for making a largely female audience very happy indeed! ‘I’m Free’ which was closely related to one of the iconic scenes from the film and a new musical number ‘Mama Says’
All in all, the way the theatre production was adapted was very clever and effective, using simple scenery and small twists to make the story fit. I can honestly say that any doubts I had were soon evaporated and I loved everything about this production, especially at the finale when the audience were encouraged to join in and sing and dance along – I most certainly did!!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £9.50 to £39.50 (booking fees may apply).
Footloose the Musical is at Venue Cymru in Llandudno from 5-10 June 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or call the box office on 01492 872000.
Venue Cymru, The Promenade, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1BB | 01492 872000
