Footloose

There is nothing like the 1980’s era for fabulous popular hits that really get the whole theatre rocking.

This musical Footloose, based on the film, brought the ‘WOW’ factor to Monmouth and with it’s strong storyline of Bible Belt America and its restrictions and prejudice surrounding the banning of dancing by the church. This proved a fascinating central subject throughout this show and how it affected a whole town with scope for the actors to show their talents.

Mayhem Youth theatre are well known for encouraging every talent of these young people to be incorporated into the production team remarkably Stage Directors and Chreographers, Stage Managers and crew and lighting crew all under 18 years of age !! They are valued and trusted, a fine achievement for these youngsters futures as they learn so much from experienced team members who pass on their skills.

With a few setbacks they had to sort, before show week,valued and talented accompanist Helen Stidolph injured her hand, floods in their rehearsal space and some injuries, yet excellent MD Ruth Friend and her band with accompanist and brilliant Richard Wadley on keyboard, stepped in and talented young drummer Louis James and with all hands helping, Mayhem triumphed!

A very strong cast with some inspirational principal parts who really brought everything together. Good to see talented Freddie Potts/Willard Hewitt on stage again. Ren, Zach Shepherd commanded and used the stage, working with all the cast, a confident and skilful performance with clear diction and great timing of his song. Also very good interaction from Ethel, Skye Chandler in another excellent performance.

NODA award winner Dylan Pritchard as Reverend Shaw Moore shone in this role, his stage presence and depth of feeling for this complicated characterisation stood out. A great support for Dylan as Rev. Shaw Moore was TJ Friend as his wife Vi, a sensitive portrayal and then a poignant meaningful song of the conflict between them both, very well done, the chemistry was perfect.

Setting the stage alight was Anya Duberley as Ariel Moore their wayward and uncontrollable Daughter. The talented and outstanding Anya brought a Bonnie Tyler look alike and a voice to match, she rocked as she sang Holding Out For A Hero. She also made her point so well as she wanted to escape from the cosy backwater and fly!!  A brilliant performance!

Other parts very well played, James Arrand as Wes and a show stopper from coach Danbar from Laurence Regan, and Amelia Bartlett-Smith as Lulu/Betty.

The rest of the cast all worked brilliantly together and gave their all to the energised dance routines from this fantastic score, which with this fabulous band really rocked the night away!

Thank you Andrew Griffiths and Mayhem for your hospitality it was a great pleasure to be with you again, every success and see you for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.

THIS REVIEW IS THE SOLE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR DEE McILROY

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.