REVIEW: Footloose The musical - Liverpool Empire Theatre

On Monday 9th May, the Liverpool Empire played host to Footloose The musical, the stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. Based on the original screenplay with Kevin Bacon as the star, (the film that catapulted him to fame), the expectation was high. Would this adaptation translate well from screen to stage? That was the question on most people's minds.

More than 35 years on and true to the film, Footloose The musical tells the tale of the town of Bomont where the act of dancing was banned following a tragic accident where 4 youths were killed. City boy Ren McCormack played by Luke Baker who leaves his Chicago home with his mother. The move is a culture shock especially when Ren realises the restrictive lifestyle that the sleepy rural religious promotes. Ren falls for a rebellious preacher's daughter called Ariel, played by Hannah Price. Unfortunately, she has an abusive boyfriend called Chuck who vehemently defends his relationship with Ariel. The ensuing fights, romance and victory to re-introduce dancing to the town provide the rest of the story-line.

911 and Big reunion star Lee Brennan plays Willard. He was magnificent and quite the expert in physical theatre. He convincingly played the bumbling character whilst endearing himself to the audience with his utter amiability. He performed as though his life depended on it and was a shining star throughout the performance and he had great stage presence.

Lee Brennan. Photo credit Ray Burmiston

Maureen Nolan was fantastic in her role of Vi Moore. Nigel Lister plays her regimental husband Reverend Moore and was also worthy of commendation.

Maureen Nolan who plays Vi Moore

The cast were very talented and played their own instruments on stage. This was an impressive element to the show. Despite a pitchy opening number, the vocals were strong throughout but the show seemed to lack the wow factor and it did not translate that well onto stage. The show seemed slow to get going and it took a while for the characters to establish themselves and form a cohesive unit. Your toes will definitely start tapping when you hear familiar classics like "Holding out for a hero" by Bonnie Tyler, "Let's hear it for the Boy" by Deniece Williams and the title track "Footloose". Luke Baker and Hannah Price were excellent.

Directed by Racky Plews and produced by the same team who were responsible for Avenue Q and American idiot. In my opinion, the 80's theme did not really come through and I expected more complex choreography rather than the safe sequences that were presented.

Kick off your Sunday shoes if you want to catch this show. It's not a dismal show by any means, it just didn't flow as fluidly as I had expected. The cast of worthy of praise as they performed enthusiastically and with passion.  The opening night received a standing ovation when during the final song the audience were encouraged to sing and get up on their feet, so it was well received and the cast received the adulation that they deserved.

Tickets can be purchased here

The show runs until Saturday 14th May

Rating 3/5