Venue Cymru – until 28th May 2022
Reviewed by Carla Whittaker
5*****
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the 80s return to Llandudno at Venue Cymru for the return of Footloose as the cast open there six-day stint at Venue Cymru as part of the UK tour.
Footloose is a production based on the 1980s true story film based in Oklahoma that had banned dancing following a tragic accident five years earlier. The story starts when Ren McCormack (Joshua Hawkins) from Chicago and his mother Ethel (Geri Allen) move to Bomont after being abandoned by his father. Sourcing help from the Reverends daughter Aerol (Lucy Munden) Ren decides to uphold the law and get the town back on their dancing feet.
Joshua Hawkins plays the part of Ren beautifully; a boy with a heart of gold, full of energy, charisma and charm with stunning vocal performances and nonstop show of his impressive dancing moves with plenty of bravado.
The fabulous Jake Quickenden who rose to fame in winning Dancing on Ice in 2018 and has become a theatre star took on the role of country boy Willard within the production who was full of character and very charming! His vocals were sensational and his one liners had the audience in stitches. A think a highlight for me (and others) when we stripped down to his golden hot pants – the audience went wild!
Lucy Munden has made her professional debut in this tour of Footloose, she plays the part of the Reverend’s feisty daughter Ariel brilliantly portraying the turmoil of teenage years with multiple stands out / fault free vocal performances. My particular favourite was her performance of the Bonnie Tyler power ballad classic “Holding out for a Hero” which received a standing ovation.
I was so excited to see that Darren Day was performing in this tour of Footloose so, when I saw the notice within the theatre that Darren Day was not performing and instead for this performance was replaced with Ben Barrow playing Rev. Shaw Moore. I was slightly disappointed initially; however, I did not need to be as Ben played this role amazingly, and did not come across as the understudy.
A special mention needs to be made to the choreographer Matt Cole for the outstanding choreographed dance performances which were uplifting, full of energy and exciting which were executed perfectly. In addition to the fantastic light sets, musical instruments and seamless set changes throughout the show.
An absolutely amazing night so if you want to relive your 80s and see a show full of excitement, which gets you on your feet then this is the show for you. The energy of the cast throughout the whole show was superb and provided a night of fun and laughter. Footloose is playing at the Venue Cyrmu until the 28th May 2022 and tickets are still available to purchase. I would also like to mention that I have not been to this venue in about 8 years and it was so lovely, with the most friendliest of staff.