Footloose

First of all I must give huge congratulations to the Production Team of Director, Ian Walker, Musical Director, Hayley Shay and Choreographer, Stephen Snaith. These very talented individuals put their skills together to create a wonderful show.

There were some very talented characters living in Bomont. Ren (Jack Hodgson) and Ariel (Ellie Needham) were the love interest and both gave outstanding performances. The Reverent Shaw Moore (Sam Mitchell) gave a very strong character displaying different emotions. His wife Vi Moore (Andrea Cross) played the supporting wife with great control. There was a good chemistry between them both.  Ethel (Clare Stanley) was lovely as Ren’s mother showing great pride in her son. Ariel’s friends of Rusty (Jasmine Womack), Wendy Jo (Sam Scott) and Urleen (Alicia McCaig) gelled well together and had great harmonies. Willard Hewitt (Alex Bromilow) gave us comedy and gave us awkward and funny all rolled into one. He was a delight to watch. Chuck Cranston (Jonah Thompson) the bully of the piece portrayed his part well. All the various smaller characters played their parts well. There was not a single weak link.

The sets were great and some scenes needed to be changed but I particularly liked the way some scenes were played downstage in little vignettes so there was no need for a scene change and the action flowed. Musically this is a great show and there are many great numbers. I particularly enjoyed the opening ‘On Any Sunday’ as it is where we meet many of the characters. I really like so many of the numbers but my other favourites are ‘Somebody’s Eyes’ and ‘Learning to Be Silent’. Rusty, Wendy Jo and Urleen and Vi, Ethel and Ariel were excellent in their respective numbers. ‘Mama Says’ made me smile and Willard and the boys gave us great comedy. Ariel and Ren sang ‘Almost Paradise’ and displayed wonderful vocals. Many of the musical numbers in this show were brought to life with fabulous choreography and the energy that came across was fantastic. I was exhausted just watching.

Thank you DSP for your hospitality and a wonderful exhausting evening. You have all done yourselves proud. Congratulations and well done everyone both onstage, backstage and front of house.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.