Dancing may well have been banned in Bomont but thankfully it hasn’t been banned in Liverpool.
The four-time Tony award-winning production is no stranger to the stage. First performed on Broadway in 1998 and in London in 2006 it tells the story of city boy Ren, banished to rural America where dancing is banned.
Footloose, some what of a classic, is sure to bring a smile to your face and a tap to your foot regardless of if you watch the 1984 before or not.
This performance is well received by the audience who were on their feet enjoying every high powered moment of the show.
As many will know, hell hath no fury like a teenager scorned and the performance is an all-signing all-dancing powerhouse of teenage angst which almost seems to resonate with audience members.
The performance is littered with classics such as Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For a Hero, Deniece Williams’ Let’s Hear It For The Boy and of course the namesake track Footloose.
The entire cast impress, especially taking in to account that each of them plays an instrument on stage whilst also singing, acting, dancing and skating across the stage.
Ren played by Luke Baker plays the role well , but Kevin Bacon’s shoes are difficult to fill and there is almost something lacking – particularly in the first half of the performance. However he saves it in the second half by getting the students on board and persuades the town council the throw a dance.
Baker never once had a foot out of place and had a sizzling chemistry with teenage tearaway Ariel (played by Hannah Price).
The crescendo of the show between Ren and Rev Moore is a highlight. It is an intense, heart wrenching scene.
Baker does well to form a good bond with Willard, played by Lee Breenan. Breannan displays a flair for comedic moments and plays the slighly daft country bumpkin very well indeed.
Whilst this may not be the most stimulating piece of theatre to have taken to the Empire stage of recent it is a thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre – particularly if your a fan of the film.