Footloose

Southend Operatic & Dramatic Society (SODS) Footloose

Director – Holly Hallam

Choreographer – Hannah Bartlett

Musical Director - James Green

Performed at The Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea on 25 April 2024 at 7:30pm                           

I have seen Footloose a number of times and I marvel at the different ways a Director sees the production. Superficially it is a great dance show but there is much more to it than that and Artistic Director Holly Hallam brought out the details of the various stories well.  

Ren McCormack, played by Chris Higginson, is the main character and, because Chris is a superb dancer, it gave choreographer Hannah Bartlett a perfect opportunity to give him, and the rest of the cast, some exciting dance moves. His performance centred around his dancing and deservedly so. The whole company put their hearts into the dancing and the energy and enjoyment was obvious.

The acting was also terrific with some, really, good characterisations. Eleasha Hammond (Ariel Moore) produced a lovely performance, both feisty and caring, and a perfect match for Chris (Ren). The 3 girls Charlotte Bedford (Rusty) Amelie Wright (Wendy-Jo) and Scarlett Reeve (Urleen) were terrific. All three had developed very specific characters which they maintained throughout the show, to my delight. All three also had strong singing voices and made a very good combination on stage. Charlie Evans-Rouse played Willard, the classic comedy part, which he performed to perfection. His relationship with Rusty was perfectly timed and thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

Jonny Buxton (Rev Shaw Moore) delivered the complex character required by the script, very well. And Jess Byford was the perfect companion as Vi Moore, his long-suffering wife. Sarah Mayes played Ren’s Mother Ethel McCormack with empathy.

There were a number of great supporting performers, regrettably too many to name individually, but each one had made the effort to develop their individual character which brought great dimension to the show.

The singing was excellent with some great harmonies, credit to MD James Green for getting the cast to such a high standard. Overall, there wasn’t a lack lustre performance from anyone, SODS have developed into a great, cohesive, company over the past few years and it is a joy to see.

The scenery was simple but very effective and used well. Costumes were great, absolutely right for the period and well presented by the cast. The technical support was spot on, maybe something to do with the fact that they had a new technical set up which they were very happy with!

I really enjoyed seeing the show and I look forward to future shows.

Tessa Davies,

On behalf of Natalie Hills

District 10

NODA East

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