Footloose - The Musical Queen's Theatre Atlantic Coast Theatre Review: Jo Wood

FOOTLOOSE was a knock-your-socks-off production right from curtain up. Maybe you knew what you were getting. If you didn't it might have taken a while to get used to the loud rock music, incessant beat and miked up voices. But once you did: it was great.

The Queen's Theatre stage had been creatively transformed with huge 'steps' giving three levels to perform on. Centre stage in the midst of the action, sat the band, with musical director Malcolm Read on drums. Lighting was more like a rock concert than a musical, but none the worse for that. It was a really different set up to the norm. Costumes were brilliant 1980s' colours, with Lycra and legwarmers. The audience could even join in the 1980s experience with glowsticks.

An unusual performance space provided a stimulating challenge for choreographer Sarah King. It was the dancing that gave this show its edge. The whole cast spent a frenetic and highly energetic night, with some particularly innovative moves notably in the dance at the gym with skipping ropes and press ups, and on roller skates. What could have been an unattractive mix was made graceful and compelling by Sarah's balletic touch.

Martin Youngs in the lead role as Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon in the film) was particularly impressive for managing the complex choreography and singing at the same time. When on earth did he breathe? His number I Can't Stand Still was typical, and he made it look so easy. Natalie Oliver, in her first lead role, managed to 'do everything he did but backwards and in heels' and looked wonderful even during hugely demanding numbers.

There were some interesting straight roles that provided a contrast to the high octane dancing. Kev Behan really got his teeth into playing the tortured Reverend Shaw, who has banned dancing from the town. His wife Vi was played with great sensitivity by Helen Symons, who bowled you over with the sweetness of her singing.

Jonny Biggs made a marvellous baddy, we want to see lots more of him please; and I really liked the cowboy Willard, played by Adam Davis, who made us all believe he couldn't dance (we know better). Probably the best voice in the show was Miranda Wyre, as Rusty, who had such depth she put her colleagues in the shade.

It was the mega mix finale when the cast came out into the auditorium and we all joined in the well-known 1980s' hits that left us all buzzing and reluctant to leave such a great atmosphere. I felt director Jake Goodenough had come of age with Footloose, his third foray as director, and his enthusiasm was so evident that I'm really keen to see what comes next.