Southwark Playhouse – until 3 August 2019
Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes
4****
80s nostalgia is a big thing at the moment so what better way to spend a Friday evening than watching one of the best things from the 80s.
Set in the fictional town of Bomont, Footloose tells the story of a group dog teenagers who want the right to dance and have a school prom. Led by new boy Ren (Tom Handley) the teens explain why they should be allowed to have the dance and why the actions of teens in the past shouldn’t affect them today.
Although the cast are all young they were amazing. Handley gives a superb performance as Ren and Charlotte Windell is a fantastic Ariel but true stars of the show are Bradley Riches as Willard and Gemma McKay as Rusty. The pair steal the show every time they are one stage and although McKay seemed to have problems with her shoes during the last dance number she didn’t let it stop her. The best scene in the show is McKay and Windell singing I Need a Hero, along with Jasmine Woodward and Kiki Brookes-Truman who play Wendy-Jo and Urleen respectively. The four song their hearts out and the reveal of sparkly dresses under their characters costumes gives the show the wow factor.
Although the scenery is basic the cast are able to utilise every last bit of it and the audience are left wanting more. The costumes are similar to those worn in with the original movie and the remake but are given their own twist to make them stand out.
All in all a good night out which will leave you singing and dancing for days afterwards, grab yourself a ticket whilst you can and go and see the show.