Review: FOOTLOOSE, King's Theatre, Glasgow, June 13 2016

Based on the 80's film of the same name, Footloose begins with Ren McCormack and his mother moving from Chicago to a small town that no-one has heard of. In Bomont, West Virginia, there is "no dancin' allowed" due to a tragic accident that the local pastor feels was caused in part by behaviour that goes alongside dancing.

The performers onstage are actor/musicians. I have seen this done a few times in musicals and more often that not it goes horribly wrong but thankfully this was not the case tonight. All the performers were skilled musicians, actors and even managed to throw in some impressive dance moves. Seeing this executed so well was a really fun touch to the show.

There are some really exciting moments during Footloose. I can't think of anything much more exciting that I Need A Hero being performed on a car bonnet with a wind machine. Unfortunately there are some painfully slow moments too. Although this isn't a particularly long musical, it feels as though it could have been condensed.

Casting wise, Luke Baker is fantastic as Ren McCormack. Matthew Cole's choreography is brilliant and Baker pulls off the moves with so much energy and passion. Maureen Nolan is always a delight onstage although her southern accent was a little ropey and bordering on scouse at several points. Lee Brennan as Willard was a delight for any female aged roughly between 27 and 35. The 90's boyband heartthrob was well chosen for the role and his shirtless moments whipped the audience into somewhat of a frenzy.

Despite a few long drawn out scenes, Footloose is a lot of fun and it is certainly a crowd pleaser that will leave you smiling long after you leave the theatre.

Footloose is at the King's Theatre, Glasgow until Saturday 18th June.

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