Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 7th May 2022
Reviewed by Emma Barnes, Sally Lumley and Lorna Hancock
4****
If you are looking for an upbeat, energetic feel good show Footloose at the Mayflower doesn’t disappoint. Kick off your Sunday shoes and prepare to be entertained. The musical is based on the true story of a God-fearing American town in Oklahoma that had banned public dancing. The Footloose story begins when Ren McCormack, a school boy from Chicago, moves to Bomont with his mother after his father abandons them. With the help of the Reverend’s daughter Ren convinces the town to allow the teenagers to dance, and inadvertently assists the towns people to heal some old wounds.
The story line is true to the 1984 film with Joshua Hawkins skilfully filling Kevin Bacon’s dancing shoes in the role of Ren McCormack. His cheeky boy charm and boundless energy captured the feeling of being a rebellious teenager with a point to prove.
Jake Quickenden was characterful and charming as Willard Hewitt, firstly bringing coyness that turned into charisma as the character developed. The bromance between Willard and Ren was fun, natural and very enjoyable to watch. The highlight though has got to be the all too brief showcase in Kylie-esque golden hot pants.
Lucy Munden makes her professional debut as the Reverend’s daughter Ariel Moore, and delivered a stand out performance that was vocally and visually on point, authentic and captured just the right amount of teenage turmoil combined with girl power. The Bonnie Tyler hit ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ led by Lucy was without a doubt the show stopping number of the night , bringing back memories of some of the 80’s best power ballads.
Well done to Ben Barrow for covering Darren Day’s usual role of Rev. Shaw Moore.
A particular high point is the end of the first act, with the whole cast joining a brilliantly choreographed PE sequence including skipping, slow motion boxing and take your breath away dance moves, leaving me exhausted in my chair.
The multi-talented cast in this show, don’t just sing, dance and act – they also play instruments on stage throughout. This helps brings the music to the forefront, and adds an extra dynamic to the performance.
By the end of the show every member of the audience was up and dancing, a great night out that we highly recommend.