Footloose – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday 30th September 2024 (Dress Rehearsal)
By : Nigel Gambles
Photographs : Studio 55
If you are “Holding Out For A Hero”, then look no further than this show. The whole cast are heros, I don’t think I have ever seen so much energy passion and commitment from a youth production.
Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago. He and his mother move to the small town of Bomont after his father abandons them. Upon arriving, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend of Bomont. The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of Ariel (the Reverend’s daughter) and Willard (a country hick who becomes his best friend), Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.
You are hit by the vibrancy of the costumes, and the carefully curated lighting by “Going Dark Theatrical Services” that really emphasises the more energetic areas of this show. The four LED screens the stage creating the back drop create the perfect effect.
Footloose has an easy-to-follow narrative that works for new audiences and those of us who remember the 1984 film and has some absolute bangers from the 80s including ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’, and title song ‘Footloose’ that both entertain and uplift you. This production for me was nothing short of spectacular.
This cast sustains the high energy needed for the show, especially when for most of it they are dancing to some superb choreography by Charlotte Jervis they were barely static throughout the entire show! Wait until you see the finale, I guarantee you’ll be on your feet singing and dancing along.
Jamie Wilson who plays the lead character Ren who is new to the group was magnificent. His vocals were strong and clear his dancing when alone was fluid and smooth and in the group numbers he led them with the enthusiasm expected of the role.
Ariel played by group regular Rat Clancy who finally gets a lead part does not let the cast down, pouring all her emotion and passion into the character to make it her own. Her vocals were clear and passionate.
Another newcomer to the group is Holly Lines who plays Rusty all I can say is where did she get that voice? Awesome is all I can say about it.
Euan Barnby who plays “best friend to be” country hick Willard has a great comic ability and brings the right amount of clumsiness and simple manner to the role. His singing is great and his dancing has just the right amount of shyness and awkwardness.
Ethyn James who plays the Reverend Moore is excellent bringing just the right amount of authoritarianism to the role but also the softness of a father who has lost a sibling.
As for the rest of the principal cast Connie Graham another newcomer and Neve Matthews shine as Urleen and Wendy Jo, funny and quick with their responses. Ethan Bowley who is in his last show for the group plays bad boy Chuck Cranston with just enough swagger and meanness. Bea Bradley playing Vi Moore and Sophie Clarkson as Ren’s Mother both deliver superb roles as mothers, showing kindness and support but also strictness when needed.
The rest of the supporting roles and ensemble, far too many to mention are totally committed to the show delivering super performances and dance routines which as already stated are virtually non stop.
Finally to the production team whom all have excelled themselves, the passion love and commitment to the group is evident through the passion portrayed on the stage. Georgia Young is the most amazing Director. The way she gets the cast to give their all and have fun, enjoying every minute on stage, you can just see the pride in her face.
Charlotte Jervis Choreographer extraordinaire has created routines so full of energy that its surprising if any of the cast have the energy to walk off stage. Finally Emily Beaman who provides the musical direction not a lot I can say other than, spot on.
Behind the scenes stage manager Finley Waldren made sure everything ran as smooth as clockwork full credit to the stage crew. Lastly the amazing job by Going Dark Theatrical Services creating some of the most effective lighting I have seen in a long time.
