REVIEW: Footloose The Musical - Storyhouse Chester

On Tuesday 5th September, Storyhouse Chester played host to Footloose The musical, the stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. The £37m arts complex revealed its impressive new 800 seater auditorium with the launch of its inaugural touring season. Footloose was the opening show for the Autumn season making its debut at the Chester venue.

Based on the original 1980's screenplay with Kevin Bacon as the star, the anticipation from the audience was palpable. 

More than 33 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. The bible belt conservative town with a population of 19,300 maintains a strict attitude towards public dancing. City boy Ren McCormack played by Joshua Dowen leaves his Chicago home with his mother Ethel. The move is an enormous culture shock for Ren when he realises the restrictive lifestyle of the inhabitants of the sleepy religious town. He 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.

Joshua Dorwen played a convincing Ren and I feel that he played it with passion. He slipped out of his accent occasionally but recovered well. In Act one, there were times where his vocals lacked clarity and he was drowned out by the music. Overall, he was a credible lead and should be commended. Hannah Price was magnificent as Ariel and her duets with Joshua were outstanding. Her American accent was excellent and consistent throughout.

Dominic Gee Burch plays Willard. He was fabulous. He convincingly played the bumbling character whilst endearing himself to the audience and he had great stage presence. Laura Sillett plays his love interest and she is a larger than life character. I was impressed by her delivery.

Maureen Nolan was fantastic in her role of Vi Moore. Her vocals and delivery were on top form. Reuven Gershon who plays her regimental husband Reverend Moore was excellent. 

Maureen Nolan who plays Vi Moore

 The cast were very talented and each played their own instruments on stage. This was an impressive element to the show. Despite a pitchy opening number, the vocals were strong throughout and the show really came into its own by the second Act. 

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".The show was excellent. The casts performance of "Somebody's eyes" was my favourite by far.

Kick off your Sunday shoes if you want to catch this show. The cast are 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, the cast received the praise that they deserved.

Directed by Racky Plews and produced by Selladoor Worldwide, the same team who were responsible for Avenue Q and American idiot and Little shop of horrors. Choreographed by Matthew Cole. The show was a high energy, positive life-affirming affair and thoroughly enjoyable. The show runs until 9th September. Tickets can be purchased here PR Rating 3/5