Footloose

Imagine the shock of moving to a small town where dancing is banned?

Footloose the Musical, based on the movie of the same name, tells the story of a Mom and Son who move from Chicago to a small town called Bomont.  Being a single Mom raising a teenage high school boy in a new town might be a tricky start, but for Ren McCormack who likes to dance, he is thrown into a world where he is not able to express himself properly, without breaking the law!

Dancing was banned by the town committee of Bomont. The local Reverend Shaw Moore felt that dancing was associated with “Drink”  and “Rock and Roll” which ultimately contributed to the death of his son in a fatal car accident.

This was director Andy Poulton’s second production with The Tab following “Anything Goes” last year and a worthy follow up. Also joining the production team from last year’s show with a wealth of experience was choreographer Helen Kendrick who brought out the much-needed high energy in parts. Also credited in the programme as working with The Tab for the first time was Musical Director Ed Malpass who led a strong and wonderful orchestra with ease and skill. Finally, lighting by Daniel Woodall and Sound by Ian Davies completed a solid team.

The production had moments of great energy both from the cast and the backstage crew who were often heard scurrying and banging behind the scenes to achieve some of the massive scene changes. An enormous well done for the incredible hard work and coordination which must have been required by Stage Manager Stephen Taylor and the hard-working backstage crew.

Overall, the production was staged well and evidence of excellent teamwork helped the story come to life. The story which derived from the movie did feel laboured in parts but it was the cast of The Tab which helped bring out the presence, warmth and fun.

Some of the dancing and storytelling was complimented by the pure quality and skill of the actors. Sometimes the sound dynamics caused some distraction, but it didn’t take long for the cast to recover.   

There were some excellent stand out performances tonight, including the lead character of Ren who was played by the fantastic Luey Pearce. Luey’s dance moves showed his skills as a true triple threat. He is a very talented young performer, actor, singer and dancer.  

Lizzie Buckingham who played Ethel McCormack (Ren’s Mom) was a perfect choice and it was wonderful seeing her on stage again after her performance last year in The Tab’s production of “Anything Goes”. Tonight, her performance held the same amount of presence and her relationship as a mother to her son was believable, natural and touching.

Freya Poulton played Ariel Moore. The pressure of upholding the image of being the Reverend’s daughter and the conflict of her rebellious actions of a teenager trying hard not to “disappoint” her father was convincing. Plus, her own grief with the loss of her brother that fateful night AND her emotions towards her “bad boy” lover were played well.

Freya had such a lovely voice especially in the duet with Luey in the song “Almost Paradise”. This was beautifully performed.

Ben Cooper (Chuck Cranston) who played Ariel’s Boyfriend played the part with the right amount of menace and insecurity.  

Ariel’s parents, Reverend Shaw Moore, played by Simon Peacock and his wife Vi Moore, played by Louise Griffiths were nicely cast. Simon was an extremely convincing father torn by duty of his church and his duty of fatherhood. He came across a protective father who desperately tried to show his love.

Isabella Cook (Rusty), Heather Hadley (Urleen) and Bryany Palmer (Wendy Jo) were fantastic together. There was a wonderful relationship between them and it worked because they all complimented each other’s strengths.

Isabella showed her versatility, wonderful voice and her inner torment of a teenager in love. Her expressions tonight were brilliant and her awkwardness was believable trying to win the attention of Willard Hewitt (Joe Neale).

Heather was also great in her role and remained consistent with some lovely moments coming together showing great care and attention to her co-stars. Bryany also deserves a mention with her excellent comic timing in the “push up” scene. This was brilliantly acted. Alongside Freya they succeeded in creating a nice and realistic portrayal of friendship and loyalty.

The same is to be said for Alex Brettell (Lyle/Jeter) Ellison Hart (Wayne/Garvin) and Fizz Davies (Bickle). Again, simply brilliant! Alex, Ellison and Fizz had a great chemistry between them and they all looked like they were enjoying themselves very much. It was nice to see Fizz smiling all the way through.

Joe Neale who played Willard Hewitt had the right instinct and stole the show many times with his quick wit and approach. He delivered his lines with clear conviction and this remained consistent throughout. This is not an easy part to do well, Joe nailed it.
Joe and Luey worked really well together and some of the best moments of the show was the interaction between them both. The song “Mamma Says (You Can’t Back Down)” was performed with a lot of fun and was definitely a strong highlight of the evening.

“Still Rocking” was a great opening song for Act Two and I was so pleased that Fleur Petford had a chance to perform her wonderful voice with strong support from Jamie Leigh-Butler and Bryony Richards who had an opportunity to take to the stage and have some fun.  

Other supporting actors, Brian Yardley, Wayne Butler, Gemma Gray, Ellie Rose, Andy Parker, Heidi Perry, Stephen Homer, Ellie Rose, Mitchell Lee and Finn Dyas-Harrold contributed to a cast of over 40 performers. I wish I could name you all.

Actually. Why not?

Chloe Rampton, Caterina Churm, Leanne Ditchfield, Sherrie Young, Megan Homer, Louise Lippett, Alexandra Merris, Sue Paddock, Sam Pearce, Beth Pearce, Amelia Humphries, Lydia Marsh, Alycia Jones, Kelsie Homer and Tamia Wells made the complete cast.

For me, the big moments of the show were simply when the whole cast took the energy to another level by showing the audience why they wanted to be on stage. It was easy to see so much enjoyment and this was infectious.  

Congratulations to all of you, cast and crew and thank you for your kind invitation. I wish you all the best for the future.

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