Review: Footloose the Musical at The Regent Theatre*

Pull on those leg warmers, cut loose and get yourself down to The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent for this fun-filled adaptation of the iconic movie Footloose. Yeah Lifestyle reports.

Imagine a world where dancing is forbidden and rock music is frowned upon. It’s just too much to fathom! At least during two years’ of intermittent lock downs we were still allowed to enjoy these simple pleasures but when teenager Ren McCormack (Josh Hawkins) arrives in small-town Bomont with his mother, his world is turned upside down as he struggles to adapt the town’s strange laws.

Due to a tragic accident in the backwater hick town five years before Ren and his mother arrive from Chicago, the town council and elders of Bomont – particularly the controlling Reverend Moore (Darren Day) believe the fatalities were caused by too much fun and as such dancing has been made illegal.

City boy Ren soon makes it his mission to get the town back up on its feet making friends with dim-witted but kind-hearted local Willard along the way (Jake Quickenden). Before too long it’s clear he’s headed for romance with the reverend’s daughter Ariel (Lucy Munden) which also means he’s on a collision course with her miserable father because not only has he got a soft spot for his daughter, he also, by his own admission, can’t stand still…

Footloose the musical is jam packed with a soundtrack filled with hit after 80s hit – many of which were also featured in the original 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon – songs like Holding Out For a Hero, Let’s Hear It For the Boy and of course Footloose will have you bopping and singing along throughout. The actor/musicians provide the music, expertly playing their instruments live accompanied by Bob Carr on drums who is seen on stage but doesn’t feature in the main cast. The dirty guitar riffs and sexy saxophone really add to that air of teenage rebellion and create a fantastic party atmosphere throughout. We, the audience, were admittedly a little shy to begin with but by the reprise of Can You Find It In Your Heart and the Footloose finale we were all on our feet clapping and dancing along.

Jake Quickenden of X Factor fame and winner of Dancing on Ice oozes charm and sex appeal as lovable Willard – you won’t believe what’s hiding under those oil stained overalls! Darren Day as the holier than thou Reverend is another a well-cast big name with his impressive musical theatre CV earning him incredible stage presence, great comic timing and we all know he can carry a tune. The standout performances of the evening have to go to Josh Hawkins who played a convincing rebellious teen on a mission and Lucy Munden’s Ariel was well-rounded, fully-realised and boy can she sing! These two relatively green musical theatre actors are undoubtedly going to go far and though this is Lucy’s professional debut she absolutely shone so I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of her in years to come.

Completing the cast is Oonagh Cox as Rusty who steals the show during Let’s Hear It For The Boy, Holly Ashton as Vi Moore, Geri Allen as Ren’s mum and coach, Tom Mussell as Chuck, Anna Westlake as Lulu, Alex Fobbester as Bickle, Ben Barrow as Wes, Ben Mabberley as Jeter, Jess Barker as Wendi-Jo, Samantha Richards as Urleen with Daniel Miles and Lucy Ireland as off-stage swings.

So if you want to cut loose, kick off your Sunday shoes and head to The Regent to catch this vibrant, frivolous, fun-filled adaptation of Footloose while you can.

 When can I watch Footloose?

Footloose is running at The Regent Theatre from Monday, 21 March 2022 until Saturday, 26 March with nightly performances at 7.30pm plus Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm matinees.

How much are tickets and how do I book?

Tickets are priced from £13 – £47.50 and are available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

Footloose the Musical

Footloose The Musical is presented by Selladoor Productions and Runaway Entertainment, directed by Racky Plews, with choreography from Matt Cole, musical supervision by Mark Crossland, design by Sara Perks with lighting design from Chris Davey, sound design from Chris Whybrow and casting by Debbie O’Brien.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?

Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

 About the Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1999 and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

 Tips / Information

Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment

Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park has a single charge of £1.50 from 6pm to it closes at 11.30pm

Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies

There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)

There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium

Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request

Accessible toilets are available

Review by: Libby Dallimore

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* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.