‘Footloose, Footloose, Kick of Your Sunday Shoes!!…’ – Footloose The Musical, The Churchill Theatre, Bromley (40th Birthday Celebrations!)

I was very much looking forward to attending tonights Press Night. Having been apart for a fair few months I would be returning to the Churchill for not one, but two celebrations – The opening night of the touring production of Footloose the Musical, and the 40th Birthday of the Churchill Theatre itself!

I arrived at the theatre to collect my tickets and was presented with a celebratory cupcake as a preshow snack! Tonight I was seated in Row H seat 38, which was situated stage right of the stage. My view was quite close to the stage so faces were visible, the only restriction was part of the stage was cut out of view. I was unable to see the sign (for Boumont), and the second piano they had on stage. Other than that, I couldn’t complain and what I couldn’t see wasn’t crucial to the story.In Act  2 however, I had a cheeky seat change as my friend who was there also reviewing had a spare seat next to her in Row K in the middle-I couldn’t complain at all about the view.

Footloose the Musical is based on the hit 1980s film of the same name which starred Kevin Bacon. The Musical shares the same hype with the spirit of youth, Rebellion and Romance. The story focuses on Ren, a city boy whose life changes when he is forced to move to Bomont, with his mother following the disappearance of his father. Little did he know that things were far worse than he cold have imagined, with the towns banning of anything with dancing. It doesn’t take long for Ren to rebel, break the rules, and learn that he is not alone.

I for one will be honest in saying that I have yet to see the film all the way through. Also the same with the 2011 remake – but a little bit more than the classic. I knew of the storyline, but I went in fresh face and new for tonight’s viewing. I was pleasantly surprised to see the show featuring some classic musical numbers ‘Footloose’ (of course), ‘Holding Out For a Hero’ ‘Almost Paradise’ and ‘Let’s Hear it for the Boy.’ All that get your toes tapping!

The production was of a small cast, with many of the characters doubling up in roles. It was vibrant, energetic throughout and with limited scene changes with just slight turning of some of the setting it flowed throughout. The only thing I can criticise is like so many touring productions (such as Sister Act) those whom were performing also played the instruments rather than having an orchestra in the pit. I again commiserate the director for again trying some new towards musical performance, but again it just didn’t work and caused a lot more of a distraction than it was attempting to achieve. Footloose main focus is Dancing, and although there was plenty of it, and great steps too – especially the finale! With half of the cast carrying instruments such as clarinets, flutes, and Saxophone, the chorography wasn’t up to its full potential it could have been with them being in the way. With some musicals it works having the actors/performers play the music live on stage, Wedding Singer for instance. But for Footloose I would have liked to have seen just the actors on stage, that being said however they are a very talented bunch with acting, singing, and dancing all in one.

We had a full cast for tonight’s performance:

Ren – Joshua Dowen

Willard – Gareth Gates

Ariel Moore – Hannah Price

Rusty – Laura Sillett

Wendy-Jo – Emma Fraser

Urleen – Gracie Lai

Rev. Shaw Moore – Reuven Gershon

Vi Moore/Principal Clark – Maureen Nolan

Chuck – Connor Going

Ethel/McCormack/Betty/Coach Dunbar – Lindsay Goodhand

Jeter – Dominc Gee Burch

Bickle & Cowboy Bob – Tomas Wolstenhome

Wes – Alex Marshall

Swing – Lauren Storer, Jaime Ross, Grace Lancaster, Luke Dowling.

The cast were full of energy for their opening night.

Leading man Ren played by Joshua Dowen, was no exception, at times you would have thought you were watching Kevin Bacon on stage. His steps were spot on, his voice a delight to hear, and his acting was a joy to watch – with brilliant comic moments as well as heart felt scenes of his fight to win, as well as fit in. Ariel is leading lady portrayed by Hannah Price, also had some strong vocals on her. Her rebellion ways against her reverend father, the audience could understand her frustrations. But her chemistry with Ren was brilliantly shown especially through their duet ‘Almost Paradise.’

Ariel’s Triage Rusty, Wendy-Jo, and Urleen played by Laura, Emma and Gracie also provided the audience with a few chuckles. Young vibrant ladies that are only looking for one thing, love. Urleen, and Wendy- Jo especially had brilliant comic moments, but Rusty’s vocals were outstanding ‘Let’s Hear It for the Boys’ was a personal favourite of the night, but her relationship on stage with Willard was also a highlights with the awkward yet successful flirting! 

Gareth Gates was one of the top billed cast of the night, playing the role of Willard I didn’t know what to expect from him. Knowing he had previous roles in theatre Les Miserable, Legally Blonde, and Joseph, I knew he had the experience. I was pleasantly surprised with his performance as Slow Witted Willard. He was excellent in the role showing the transformation of his character from the quiet, mama loving young teenager to a confident dancing young man – who still loves his mama.

The supporting cast, supported everyone well including Nolan Sister Maureen Nolan who played Vi Moore,  Reuven Gershon as Rev. Shaw Moore. Both of whom played the role of the protective parents well, however at times their vocals to me weren’t up to scratch. Lynsey Goodhand who played the most of all the characters transitioned well, changing her body language, voice to suit each role, it was a delight to watch.

There is no denying that Footloose is not an enjoyable show, and will have most of the audience dancing in their seat at the end. I am glad also that I have finally seen it live – and it does make me want to watch the film from start to end finally! But with the direction of combining the instruments with the performers just did not work for this show. But if you are looking for a good night out then Footloose is playing at the Churchill Theatre until Saturday 2nd July. For further information go Here.

I also want to thank The Churchill, for inviting me to attend the after party to celebrate its 40th Birthday!! It was a delight to be part of with good food, drink, and conversation. I also got the chance to meet the cast of Footloose who joined us for the evening. Below are some photos of the celebrations.