Footloose
Photo by Fraser Band
Review by Martine Silkstone
Been working so hard? Gotta cut loose? Then this is the show for you.
The New Wolsey is celebrating 40 years of Footloose with an exciting new production based on the hit 1980s film – and it is just fabulous. Full of banging 80s tunes and with a cast so talented that they not only play their parts, but also a wide range of instruments throughout (anyone who has seen the theatre’s panto knows what I mean).
The story – for anyone who has been living on the moon - sees Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, where a tragic accident has led to a complete ban on dancing. It sounds like it might be a bit lightweight, but actually it’s really quite emotive as the two male leads are both struggling with loss and heartache; a shared pain that will ultimately see them connect and, together, find a way to move forward.
That said, it still rocks!
We open with the band and dancers rocking out to the title track centre stage and that fires the energy in the room from the start.
Then, of course, we move into the narrative…
Photo by Fraser Band
Setting the tone, Robin Simpson is truly great as the grieving puritan, Reverend Moore. From his rousing sermon at the start (seriously, a second career beckons) to his emotional awakening as the tale concludes, he gives a wealth of gravitas and heart to proceedings, and provides a balance to the more frivolous elements.
Of course, he is ably assisted by Wendy Paver, who is wonderfully understated as Ariel’s mother, Vi - though at one point she also casually roller-skates on and kicks ass as Betty, the owner of the burger palace, but that’s just how versatile these actors are.
Luke Wilson & Kirsty Findlay. Photo by Fraser Band.
Taking the romantic lead, Luke ‘The Hips’ Wilson is all cool charm as Ren, the newcomer fighting for his right to dance while falling for the reverend’s wayward daughter, Ariel (a suitably sassy and vocally superb, Kirsty Findlay). These two have terrific chemistry and you are rooting for them from the start which is always a good sign.
But they are not the only lovebirds…
My favourite love story of the night is actually between Rusty (Elizabeth ‘Surprisingly Good at Push Ups’ Rowe) and the sweet-but-simple, Willard (Luke ‘Donald O’Connor Re-incarnated’ Thornton). Such natural personality and comic timing! They add yet another dimension to the show; a lightness and fun that is so endearing.
In fact, Luke Thornton stole the show for me with his charming rendition of ‘Mama Says’ - which is both funny and strangely educational. Special mention also for his backing trio - Theo Diedrick, Lola Aluko, and Myles Miller, who add some delightful harmonies and cheeky choreography to this scene - just gorgeous.
Coming a close second in the musical highlights is the classic, ‘I Need a Hero’, performed here by Kirsty Findlay, Elizabeth Rowe, Charlotte Grayson, and Signe Larsson. It helps that I have always loved that song but they absolutely nailed it – bravo!
Photo by Fraser Band.
I could go on as the rest of the cast were also great, jumping in and out of roles, pulling instruments from here, there, and everywhere, and line dancing like they were born in cowboy boots.
Throw in simple but clever staging, perfectly pitched comedy, and a few special little character touches – subtle but effective – and you have a thoroughly entertaining production which manages to be fun and uplifting, but still moving and emotional. Great work by director, Douglas Rintoul, and his team.
A fully rounded joy to behold – highly recommended.
Note: I wanted to end this review by saying that I really wanted to get up and dance but that was, ironically, forbidden – a good line I thought - but unfortunately I can’t, because at the end of the show everyone gets to cut footloose! Such fun.
Footloose is at New Wolsey Theatre until October 26.
FOR FULL SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE