Footloose continues at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in repertory until 26 September 2024, and then at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich from 3-26 October 2024.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Another joyous show from Pitlochry! Topping the season’s billing, this is cracking fun.
Inspired by the movie, Footloose follows Ren (Luke Wilson) and his mother (Nina Kristofferson). When they relocate from Chicago to Bomont, Oklahoma, the small-town world takes a bit of getting used to. The younger population is restless at best, having their way of life decided for them by the town council.
Social life revolves around the church and school. Reverend Shaw Moore is played with great attention to detail by Robin Simpson: his tone and manner are spot on and a perfect foil for both his wife, the warm and understanding Vi (Wendy Paver) and rebellious daughter, Ariel (Kirsty Findlay).
The plot follows the frustration of the young folk of Bomont where dancing is forbidden, as are gatherings, apart from under the eye of educators or the church dignitaries. Its portrayal of how youths live their lives is the central story alongside the ‘reason’ of the elders in the town council.
The staging once again features the band onstage with the cast playing the instruments. Richard Reeday’s musical direction is terrific, especially when the score is played by the performers.
The score itself has a mix of known hits from the 1980s blended with original songs written by Tom Snow (music) and Dean Pitchford (lyrics). The original material is wonderful. Ren’s first solo number, ‘I Can’t Stand Still’, moves the quality up a few notches – outstanding vocals and presence.
Other notable songs include a trio between Ariel, Vi and Ethel, ‘Learning to Be Silent’, sung with such tenderness and pathos. Another outstanding number is ‘Almost Paradise’ where Ren and Ariel try to develop an understanding of each other’s worlds. Utterly wonderful. The Reverend Shaw’s solo, ‘Heaven Help Me’, is perfectly and simply sung – a lovely intimate moment
The ‘big’ 80s hits give the cast the chance to ‘let rip’. Aside from the title song, ‘Holding Out For a Hero’ is full of energy and wit. Great vocals, arrangement and choreography (Kally Lloyd-Jones) all but stop the show. The ‘fourth wall’ is perhaps broken a few times more often than necessary – the joy for the audience lies with the characters interacting, telling us their own stories.
Directed by Douglas Rintoul, this is a colourful, joyous, celebratory show – bring your dancing shoes for the finale!
Fiona Orr
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