Footloose

 

Splinters Theatre Group offer membership to actors between 14 – 30 years, giving them wonderful opportunities to explore their love of theatre dance and song. Initially formed as a feeder group to Woodseats MTC , and they continue to attract a multitude of talented performers many moving on to working professionally within the industry. Not only do Splinters encourage performers but also provide opportunitieswith Richard Granger, having performed in previous productions, now sharing his considerable experience in directing Footloose.

The set and staging was simplistic but worked perfectly, steps and a raised platform provided the perfect setting for visionary scenes overlooking the train lines, along with creating the varying levels used to great effect when breaking up action during stage level and raised scenes alike. Behind and upstage were the orchestra which blended in perfectly. This also gave the setting excellent depth and the ability for some cleverly thought out lighting effects on the upstage wall.I liked the graffiti effects on the bridge and set flats. The whole production was really well thought out, an odd chair or cluster of boxes, but the main visual staging was created by imaginative spacing from the cast . Compliments to Richard Granger for his direction and along with Alice Copestick ,asyour Choreographer provided all the ideas and staging arrangements for the very talented group to perform.

Mum and Son, Ren and Ethel having moved from Chicago find themselves in Bomont, a small town under the control of Rev Shaw having instilled many rules following a tragedy a few years previously. Not least of these banning all dancing and merriment. Quickly Ren upsets most in his desire to bring back fun and dance to the youngsters and there sets the scene of what follows.

This production requires acting, singing, comedy along with physical theatre, all of which was delivered to the highest order. 

Ren McCormack performed by Josh Fishburn gave an outstanding performance throughout, the pure size of the role requiring all theatre skills, his monologues were delivered with such quality, along with singing and acting, building his relationships with Willard and Ariel, along with the brilliant scenes with Rev Shaw. My particular favourite was ‘Dancing Is Not a Crime’ and the iconic ‘ Almost Paradise’ duet along with Ariel. Ariel Moore by Jessica Smith torn between her love of her father, but desperate to escape the rules imposed, thinking that life with the rough tough Chuck was the way out later realizing the error of her decision.A truly believable and well performed role throughout, involved in many songs , moving emotional scenes with Ren and Rev Shaw, the quality rendering of ‘ Holding Out For a Hero’ with your three friends and as mentioned the duet on the bridge . Rev Shaw Moore by Daniel Cawood-Storey and Vi Moore by Jen Horsfield , the parents of Ariel, two seasoned actors gave excellent performances, such roles requiring firmness, compassion and lots of emotion .  Rev Shaw his powerful delivery of’ Heaven Help Me ‘and the reprises, showing his realisation of what he thought was right and then listening to Ren and Ariel but mostly his heart. Vi Moore a well performed role torn by honouring her husband whilst trying to understand the growing up of her daughter. Your emotional delivery of ‘CanYou Find It In Your Heart’ was a joy to witness. Willard Hewitt by Lewis Spowage not an easy part to perform, pretending to be strong and powerful but in reality, reserved anxious, un certain and more. You certainly made this part your own with some memorable scenes, excellent timing when interacting with the lads along with cleverly choreographed and performed times with Rusty. The delivery of ‘Mama Says’ with Bickle Gavin Jeter and Ren was well excellent. Chuck by Daniel Rossiter, the tough cookie, powerfully performed, never dropping your physical presence. Your aggressive nature was well portrayed, with clear diction along with quality singing. Many memorable scenes with Ariel, showing the bitterness in conversations with Ren and a stand off manner with the men of Bomont. 

Rusty by Cerys Wright, Urleen by Ruby Chu and Wendy Jo by Maeve Hughes, wow what a great threesome you were. Rusty forever trying to win Willards heart, Urleen and Wendy Jo adding total conviction to your parts, so much comedy, beautiful singing and general stage presence. My stand out number has to be ‘Somebody’s Eyes’ with ‘Holding Out For A Hero’ close behind. Three very talented young ladies. Ethel McCormack by Ria Westhead, Ren’s mother trying to keep the peace between her son and the people of Bomont, a controlled well performed role with the interactions with the Moore family, and a well delivered performance of ‘LearningTo Be Silent’ with Vi and Ariel. 

This production gives plenty of opportunities for smaller cameo roles which were well delivered and acted throughout. Niamh Bailey-Smith as Lulu, Ali Khalafullah as Wes, Ben Rossiter as Cowboy Bob who delivered the powerful opening of Act2 with ‘Still Rockin’ along with the ensemble. Fraser Hughes as Jetter, Paige Russell-French as Garvin, Benny Meleady-Hemme as Bickle, Ben R also as Lyle, Connor Hibbert as Travis, James Parkin as Principal Clark, Miquelle Sanchez as Coach Dumbar, Lilly Grayson as Betty Blast and Francesca Mayhew as Cop. Whilst not naming the remaining ensemble you are no less important to the outstanding results this production achieves. 

There are so many moments, too many to list but along with the excellent results from the production team and the quality singing under the watchful guidance of your Musical Director Ray Gallagher. You should all be delighted with this production. The sound by Paul Minott was well balanced between orchestra and performers, clever use of well timedsound effects along with atmospheric lighting by Tom Dyson. Lighting and sound are so integral and the effect achieved only go to enhance all the hours of rehearsals. 

The costumes were totally in keeping with the production, so thank you all the unseen members, your excellent front of house making us so welcome. 

The society boasts a reputable history and this production of Footloose now adds to the long list that proceeds it. 

Don’t miss this fast moving entertaining musical

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