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Footloose - New Theatre Peterborough Review

The 80s burst back to life as the new UK and International tour of Footloose hits the road arriving at Peterborough's New Theatre until Saturday 19th March. 

The cast of Footloose. Photo by Mark Senior.

Based on the cult 1984 film, the show tells of city boy Ren McCormack who uproots to small-town Bomont who are under the thumb of local minister Reverend Moore who lambasts the evil of rock and roll. Ren decides to plan a dance, much to the disdain of the senior figures in the local community but Ren is determined to bring music and fun back to this sleepy town.

Musically the show features some stand-out classics including the title song by Kenny Loggins and Holding Out For A Hero which was co-written by Dean Pitchford and Jim Steinman. The 80s party feel is brought to life by an excellent cast of actor-musicians who expertly breathe new life into the soundtrack.

Joshua Hawkins impresses as lead Ren. He oozes likeability and a real rock star vibe. He excellently leads the production and is matched perfectly by a superb Lucy Munden who makes her professional debut as Ariel Moore. Munden's vocals are effortless and powerful. As a central pair Hawkins and Munden are as strong as they come. 

Joshua Hawkins as Ren and Lucy Munden as Ariel. Photo by Mark Senior.

Jake Quickenden is certainly cast somewhat as audience eye candy and he relishes every moment he gets as Willard Hewitt. Darren Day adds a real razzle-dazzle of star quality as Reverend Moore. His classy vocals soar in his solo numbers. Tom Mussell commands the stage as bully Chuck.

Strong support comes from Oonagh Cox, Samantha Richards and Jess Barker as Rusty, Urleen and Wendy-Jo. Three of Ariel's closest friends. They light up the stage in every moment with the particularly impressive Barker standing out as she captures the goofy friend with real skill.  

Sara Perks metallic set and country costumes root the piece perfectly into 80s Bomont with added flair from Chris Davey's strong lighting - though some of the lights constantly flashing was slightly distracting. 

Come to Footloose for a night of excellent music, an outstanding cast and an evening of 80s nostalgia. As the evening ends with a rapturous reception from an appreciative Peterborough crowd and the cast end on a reprise of the title song it's a huge amount of fun that has everyone on their feet cutting loose and joining in on the fun. A night of undeniable good fun.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Footloose continues at Peterborough's New Theatre until Saturday 19th March. Tickets are available at https://newtheatre-peterborough.com/. The tour continues thereafter with dates booking through until August, tickets are available for all venues https://footloose-musical.com/

The cast of Footloose. Photo by Mark Senior.

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