I have to confess that apart from hearing Kenny Loggins' monstrously catchy title tune many times, both the original 1984 film and this 1998 stage adaptation of
Footloose have passed me by. Therefore, finally, I get to tick it off the list thanks to this production from the Northampton Musical Theatre Company on stage at Royal & Derngate. So, was it worth the wait?
Footloose tells the story of Ren McCormack and his mother, Ethel's move to the town of Bomot, Utah with his aunt and uncle following the walking out of Ren's father from the family home. What the confident and rebellious Ren finds within the boundary of Bomot and its illegal dance stance puts him on a path of conflict with the local Reverend Shaw Moore.
In many ways the story of Ren and his attitude sits with the delightful selection of Footloose for the N.M.T.C. It is not an obvious fit for the group, leaving fewer roles for the old guard and a movement towards the "next generation" of the group. While it is sad not to see many familiar faces on the stage, what shows though is the obvious future strength for the group.
Leading the "rebellion" is Ell Barnes-Ward as leading man Ren, and after what appears some initial nerves on opening night, his confidence builds throughout the first act and by the superb final act number
I'm Free, he is very much the leading man. Within the story, Ren develops a close friendship with the Reverend's daughter Ariel Moore and in that role, Jemma Adams is a delight. Their chemistry works and Adams' strong vocals power through numbers such as
Holding Out for a Hero (also an excellent comically staged number) and
Almost Paradise, a delightful duet with Barnes-Ward.
Elsewhere the always excellent Luke White is clearly having fun as local redneck Willard Hewitt, who Ren befriends. His characterisation is as ever top-notch and presents the brilliant comic number Mama Says with high humour. Further strong support comes from the trio of Ella Styles as Rusty Rodriguez, who has some brilliant moments with White, Katie Proctor as Wendy-Jo and Zoe Mould as Urleen. This trio forms often a sort of singing Greek Chorus with the haunting, and quite brilliant repeating song Somebody's Eyes.
Finally, but far from least, in the cast, and those strongly representing the previous NMTC, are the excellent pairing of Brett Hanson as Reverend Shaw Moore and Hannah Taylor as his wife Vi Moore. Hanson here is as strong as I have seen him, particularly in his characterisation of the troubled Moore. Struggling to deal with what he wants to do to honour the town's losses, against the growing realisation that perhaps that very thing is harming his community. There is some excellent, powerful drama in his scenes. Not least those with Taylor, who is the more balanced and accepting of the relationship as she battles herself but tries to accommodate the wishes of the young members of the town more so than her husband.
Production-wise, it is much the usual strong affair from Martyn Knight's confident directing to the excellent music from Rod Illiffe and his musicians. Technically there were a few issues, particularly with late microphones on the opening night, but, it is likely these will become fewer as the week goes on. Set changes as always are slick, with only a few moments of darkness for big changes, which Illiffe and the musicians easily cover.
Footloose is a slow burner initially in the first act, with a somewhat unexpected stilted opening performance of the title track and a time getting into the story. However, after not very long, you are gripped by the story and performances. Thanks to these strong performances, this goes beyond the expected popcorn musical based on an eighties film with genuine emotional drama to be found between the music numbers, and some truly excellent songs beyond the familiar ones. Get your feet loose and head off to the Royal & Derngate while you can.
An unexpected and delightful surprise of a show. Make sure your eyes are watching.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance reviewed: Tuesday 29th October 2024 at the Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton.
For further details about the Royal & Derngate see their website at http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk Photos: Oscar Myles of My10productions
