Footloose

This was a great production of Footloose, full of emotion, drive and energy. Outstanding performances from the main characters and they were brilliantly supported by the rest of the cast, every single young person played, danced and sang their part superbly.

Charlie Hunt as Ren McCormack, the new kid from the big city, was a joy to watch with a good all-round performance.  Ellie Smith as Ariel Moore, the Rev Moore's rebellious daughter, with a penchant for bad boys, worked the role really well, at odds with her strict father's doctrines but still wanting his approval to be herself, a very fine portrayal. Her duet with Charlie ‘Almost Perfect’ was lovely.

However, the star of the show was Oscar Mosedale as Rev Shaw Moore from his first entrance to the last, Oscar had fabulous stage presence and his solo ‘Heaven Help Me’ was intensely moving.   Charlie McCartney as country hick Willard Hewitt, was engaging and well played, never over the top. His antics, especially during the number ‘Let’s Hear it for the Boy’ where he is comically trying to dance was enjoyed by the audience.

Rusty, Willard's love interest was played by Darcy Herbert belted out some powerful vocals especially on ‘Let's Hear it for the Boy’.   The two lead character's mothers, Ethel McCormack, played by Tilly Smith and Vi Moore played by Hannah Percival; also gave very believable emotional performances, the duet they sang ‘Learning to be Silent’ was beautifully sung.

Director Gaynor Wilson, with the help of Assistant Director James Wilson, really drew out some top-class performances from her young cast. The cast rewarded her with a great first night performance. The whole cast performed amazingly. I know this production had some problems through rehearsals, one being their musical director leaving halfway through, but you all pulled it out of the bag regardless of them.   Choreographer Katie Lawrence brought out the best from her cast, all the movement was visually well balanced and well executed. The dancing flowed easily from scene to scene, very well done.

Costumes were good. Set, although minimal using projected scenes, allowed the action to flow well.  Technically, sound was well operated, and the cast coped well with the use of the backing tracks, and lighting worked for the show.

Thank you for the warm welcome that I received. Congratulations to everyone involved.

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