“Tonight I gotta cut loose, footloose, kick off your Sunday shoes…” – it was simply impossible to sit still during the opening number of Footloose at His Majesty’s.
So it’s very hard to imagine a world where dancing isn’t allowed. But that’s exactly what the show’s protagonist Ren McCormack has to endure after moving from the metropolis of Chicago to a small town.
The audiences quickly see Ren butt heads with local preacher Reverend Shaw Moore who believes loose feet equal loose morals.
The main character and other high school students – including the Reverend’s daughter Ariel and loveable cowboy Willard – take it upon themselves to challenge the Town Council and overthrow the law which bans dancing.
The show follows the same plot as the 1984 megahit starring Kevin Bacon and Sarah Jessica Parker – but at times I wished the 2022 stage adaptation didn’t follow the film so closely and left objectification and sexism in the 80s.
Review: Footloose brings catchy tunes to Aberdeen’s HMT
If the popular musical was to be given another refresh, I believe the importance of being true to oneself and fighting for what’s right could be better areas to focus on.
That being said, it’s obvious audiences don’t go see Footloose for a hard-hitting story – it’s the catchy decade-defining songs and high-energy dance numbers that make the show so popular.
The musical features a non-stop stream of 80s hits, including Holding Out For A Hero, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and, of course, the unforgettable title track Footloose.
And if that doesn’t make you want to see the jukebox musical, its talented cast should.
Aston Merrygold shines as Willard
Not only did Aston Merrygold (of JLS fame) make his Footloose debut in Aberdeen, his portrayal of Willard – Ren’s friend who cannot dance – was fantastic.
With great comedic timing and even better dance moves, Aston’s performance of learning to dance was one of the highlights of the night.
But it should come as no surprise that the performer is a skilled dancer – he showed off his moves back in 2017 when he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.
Filling Kevin Bacon’s shoes was no easy task, but Joshua Hawkins delivered a great performance as Ren. Charismatic and full of energy, he danced and sang beautifully.
Speaking of great performances, legendary West End actor Darren Day’s portrayal of a grieving father deserves all the praise too.
And Lucy Munden – who played his on-stage rebel daughter Ariel – simply has to be mentioned too. Her rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero received well-deserved roars of applause. I cannot wait to see what the gifted actress does next.
With 80s-influenced choreography, incredibly catchy songs, vibrant costumes and colourful lighting, Footloose is a great celebration of music and dance. You can certainly feel it in your feet, but it doesn’t quite reach the heart.
Footloose is at HMT until Saturday July 30. Tickets are still available and can be booked here.
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