The last time I cut loose and got Footloose at Venue Cymru was back in 2017 when Gareth Gates took on the lead role in the hit musical, so seeing that I loved the show so much it was time to return for another viewing of the latest production.
Based on the 1980s movie starring Kevin Bacon which took the world by storm, Footloose The Musical sizzles with spirit, fun and the best in UK musical talent. With cutting edge modern choreography, you’ll enjoy classic 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and of course the unforgettable title track Footloose.
As I mentioned earlier I have seen the show before but that was five years ago and it was a welcome return for the show at Venue Cymru as the evening’s entertainment progressed scenes starting come back to mind that had stood out the first time round back in 2017, but this is no bad thing, this only goes to show how Footloose the Musical can bring so much joy and entertainment to the audience that you have fond memories.
The story of a teenager and his mother moving to a small American town that has banned dancing after a tragic accident took the life of four teenagers is one that has all the emotions you need from a well-produced show and it keeps you entertained from the moment the cast appear on the stage to the time they leave.
The cast in the evening’s show had some changes to the advertised one and I have to say that I was a little disappointed to find out that Darren Day would not be playing the part of Rev. Moore, but I have to say that I really enjoyed Ben Barrow‘s performance from start to finish.
Joining Barrow on the stage was Dancing on Ice Winner and Theatre star Jake Quickenden as Willard, suffice to say when he stripped down to his golden shorts he certainly pleased a lot of the audience, but hey it’s not all about the look Quickenden brought us a brilliant performance as Willard and had us all in stitches with some of his great lines.
Jake first hit our screens in The X Factor in 2012 and again in 2014 where he went through to the live shows followed by appearances on Chart Show TV, ITV’s Kellys Heroes, as a regular panellist on Big Brothers Bit on the Side and as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Following his win in the 2018 season of Dancing on Ice Jake has most recently been seen in the hit TV show Hollyoaks. Jake is no stranger to the stage having performed in the title role of Peter Pan at Blackpool Opera House; also touring with the Dreamboys and appearing in Pantomime. He most recently starred in the acclaimed 50th-anniversary production of Hair the Musical.
Joshua Hawkins certainly brought Ren McCormick to life on the stage, his performance was second to none and you could feel the power of the role streaming out of him throughout the night, his vocals and dance performances were a real joy to watch and even reminded me of Kevin Bacon from the original movie that has always been a favourite of mine.
Joining Hawkins as the love interest in this production of Footloose is Lucy Munden who plays the Reverand’s daughter Ariel, there is some lovely chemistry between the two on the stage and the musical numbers they have together work beautifully to captivate the audience and pull them deeper into the romance and the story of the town that has banned dance.
As with the production back in 2017 the sets and lighting look brilliant and the seamless changes throughout the show add to the delights of seeing the show in a theatre, the music is all brilliantly performed by the cast.
It’s always great to see a show get a standing ovation and Footloose The Musical is no exception, the opening night saw the packed theatre rise to its feet and applaud the cast and crew for the evening’s entertainment and I have to say that it was well deserved, this is a show that will have you tapping your feet to the music that you can sing along to, make you laugh, have you leaving the theatre with a big grin on your face and I guarantee than some you leaving will be humming or singing the songs on the way out.
Footloose The Musical is presented by Selladoor Productions and Runaway Entertainment with casting by Debbie O’Brien, and will be directed by Racky Plews, with choreography from Matt Cole, musical supervision by Mark Crossland and design by Sara Perks with lighting design from Chris Davey and sound design from Chris Whybrow.
Everybody cut loose for a night of dazzling excitement music and dancing! The show is on at Venue Cymru until the 28th of May, don’t miss out on seeing this amazing show and book your tickets now!
Everybody Cut Loose and get Footloose!
Event Title: Footloose The Musical at Venue Cymru 2022
Event Description: Footloose the Musical returned to Venue Cymru in Llandudno
Start date: May 23, 2022
End date: May 28, 2022
Location name: Venue Cymru
Address: Promenade Llandudno, LL30 1BB
Performer: Various
Offer price: 12.50
Currency: GBP
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
