Rachel & Seren Howells review the stage adaptation of the 1980s film classic Footloose which plays Cardiff’s New Theatre this week.
The energy was buzzing at Cardiff’s New Theatre on Monday evening as the cast of Footloose appeared on stage to open the show.
The action doesn’t take long to get underway. Bouncing into the opening number, Footloose, we meet Ren, played by Daniel Miles and his mum, Ethel (Wendy Paver), who have moved from the city to a small town called Bomont. Ren soon finds himself at odds with most of Bomont’s inhabitants. Ren’s main obstacle is the Reverend Shaw Moore, who has convinced the town to outlaw dancing. With the help of the Reverend’s daughter, Ariel and new friend Willard Ren sets out to convince the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and ultimately help the town of a Bomont heal from a tragedy that affected them all.
Footloose, is alive with energy as well as a mixtape soundtrack of 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise and Let’s Hear It for The Boy.
Fun, flamboyant, colourful costumes lift every scene while creative choreography
features everything from the use of a skipping rope to tyreography! The ambience and lighting of the set is particularly effective, with each scene contrasting from the dark to twinkling lights.
The show is well cast with great relationships between many of the characters.
Daniel Miles gave an amazing performance stepping up from offstage swing to the lead role of Ren. Bringing a lot of energy to the role.
Jake Quickenden gives an amazing characterisation of Willard and really nails his characters country hick status. Darren Day delivers a multi-layered performance as the Rev Shaw Moore giving hints about the weight on his shoulders from his family’s big devastation.
While Lucy Munden captivates as the Reverend’s daughter, Ariel, Oonagh Cox delights with Rusty’s fabulous personality.
The Footloose ensemble don’t just act, they also display their talents by playing instruments and dancing simultaneously.
Everybody cut loose – don’t miss Footloose!
- It runs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until June 4.