Footloose Youth Edition

Footloose is a high energy musical following mother and son, Ethel and Ren McCormack as they move from Chicago to a small town: Bomont.  It was a pleasure to travel to Ystradgynlais on behalf of Matt Hampson for my visit to this company, alongside National NODA President, Graham Liverton.

The first thing I’d like to mention is what a lovely, family feel the society had.  Everyone was happy and smiling and very welcoming! 

The society decided to use projections instead of traditional staging and these were high quality and very effective.  There were occasional sound issues with microphones being cued incorrectly or being left on once performers had left the stage.

There was a large ensemble cast who had terrific energy throughout the performance, adding life to the production whenever they were on stage.

As Ren McCormack, Gruffudd Watkins gave a very good performance.  He had an excellent character and charm and good vocals in the musical numbers.  He reminded me a little bit of Bruno Mars, not a bad comparison if you ask me!

Lola Hopkins played Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of the town preacher.  She had a great character throughout the production and my word, what a voice!  A very talented young lady; well played.

Kai Jones was very funny as Willard Hewitt.  He had the audience laughing throughout.

Sophie Kneath, Lily Crookes-Gwillim and Tia Paddon were a lovely trio as Rusty, Urleen and Wendy Jo respectively.  They each had their own individual character and they all sang well, holding complicated harmonies in the musical numbers.  Good job.

As Reverand Shaw Moore, Benjamin Totterdale gave a super performance.  He had a commanding character and he sang very well. 

Grace Kilbane gave a nice performance as Vi Moore.  She had a lovely singing voice.

Other named characters played by Keira Lily Morgan-Pugh, Joel Jones, Hannah Nottingham and Tailen Williams all added something to the production, well done everyone.

I had a lovely evening.  Thank you for the welcome and for the entertainment.

THE VIEWS IN THIS REPORT ARE SOLELY OF THE AUTHOR.

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