TADAA cut Footloose in phenomenal style

Theatre Arts of Dukinfield and Ashton (TADAA) rock Mossley’s George Lawton Hall.

Theatre Arts of Dukinfield and Ashton (TADAA) cut Footloose in fantastic style this week as they bring the musical to Mossley’s George Lawton Hall. 

Dancing is not a crime. Unless you’re in Footloose’s Bomont, Utah, of course, where all dancing has been outlawed following an appalling tragedy.

The ban is enforced by obstinate local preacher Reverend Shaw Moore, whose determination to control the town’s youth is fuelled by the loss of his own son in the disaster.

Enter Ren McCormack, the new kid from Chicago, forced to move to the small conservative town with his mum, but who “can’t keep still”. His inherent need to dance, move and express himself drives him relentlessly to overturn the draconian law.

Finding love with the preacher’s rebellious daughter Ariel, Ren and her father are on an inevitable collision course. As the heartfelt story unfolds, their worlds ultimately clash, though they have more in common than they realise: a father mourning a son, and a young man grieving the dad who walked out on him and his mother.

And so the Footloose scene is set for an emotionally charged night of high-energy musical drama, with subplots, relationships and a rather dark backdrop, all richly entwined and delivered with a believable American twang.

Watching the show, you soon realise very few of the cast were even around in 1984, when Kevin Bacon enjoyed his big break in the film of the same name.

The box office smash later became the stage musical, taking Broadway and the West End by storm and attracting stars such as David Essex and Cheryl Baker in lead roles.

There are some big and familiar names associated with this show then, but the TADAA cast genuinely fill those boots to make the production entirely their own.

Youth and boundless energy carry the audience at an almost breathless pace through the unfolding storyline to hit tunes and dazzling choreography, but not so fast that any of the humour or heartache is sacrificed.

This is testament to talented and accomplished actors who create and craft characters we believe in from the outset, captivating us and drawing us fully into their world.

TADAA’s Footloose is a far more emotional experience than you might expect when you first take your seat, despite the bright and familiar opening number, so have your tissues handy.

But it is also very funny in parts, with laugh-out-loud moments, the humour contrasting with, and reinforcing the pathos.

Effortless

Davey-Blue Robson takes on the demanding role of Ren with seemingly effortless ease. Rarely off stage, his singing, dancing and acting are all high energy, while his character always retains authenticity.

“You’re going to enjoy this show so much,” he told me before it began - and he was absolutely right.

Ren’s love interest Ariel is played by the hugely talented and versatile Elizabeth Parkin, whose rebellious teen carries an underlying sadness, desperate for her father’s affection.

When Elizabeth sings, she truly comes into her own, her rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out for a Hero is stunning, and one of the show’s standout moments.

The hugely accomplished Paul Allison is a powerful Reverend Shaw Moore, pouring his heart and soul into the conflicted character of a troubled father and stubborn preacher. His tremendous church chorals and  moving performance of ‘Heaven Help Me (Reprise)’ are emotional highlights.

Casting is spot on throughout, and Tameside Radio’s Cameron Kennedy is equally excellent and entertaining  as Willard Hewitt.

Who knew Cameron possessed such a deep, gravelly voice behind those innocent youthful looks? Some of his dance moves would leave most of us prostrate. His comic timing as the lovable country bumpkin is perfect. Who needs a hero when you’ve got Cameron as Willard Hewitt?

As Ren’s sidekick, Cameron provides much of the show’s humour, alongside the brilliant Megan Ashbrook as Rusty, Willard’s love interest. Megan’s ‘Let’s Hear It for the Boy’ is sublime, and her comic routines and nervous giggles are hilarious.

Rebecca Wood is memorable as long-suffering preacher’s wife Vi Moore, delivering several moving solos. Matthew Edginton is suitably menacing as Ariel’s abusive former boyfriend, and Emily Barlow gives a powerful performance as Ren’s mum Ethel.

Around 50 supporting cast members, dancers and ensemble bring this Footloose version to life, filling not only the stage but the entire dance floor, all staged in traverse style at the George Lawton Hall.

This is a show that exudes energy, excitement and enthusiasm throughout, wringing every drop of emotion from the songs and script.

Clever projections instantly switch scenes from Bomont High School to the burger bar, from the church to the vicarage, ensuring the pace never lets up.

Everyone associated with TADAA can be proud of delivering a powerful and moving production, destined for plaudits and standing ovations. See it if you can - you will not be disappointed.

Footloose the Musical runs at The George Lawton Hall until Saturday, with evening shows starting at 7.15pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.

For tickets visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/theatre-arts-of-dukinfield-and-ashton

Credit: Martin Ogden