AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: Footloose - The Evans Theatre, Wilmslow.

I first came across Tempo Youth Theatre a few years' ago, back in 2016 actually, when I went to see their superb production of 'Starlight Express'. I have been a huge fan of this society ever since, and have only missed one of their annual productions since then. (Guys And Dolls). I was therefore very excited to be visiting once again this evening, as the expectations of this society - a youth group with the vast majority of the membership in the mid to late teens - is very high. Of course, they did not disappoint. I have seen 'Footloose' only 7 times previously, with 2 of these being UK number 1 professional touring productions, and I wish to state here and now, that this evening's presentation was my favourite (and perhaps best) to date!

'Footloose' (based on the 1984 film of the same name) tells the story of Ren McCormack and his mum, moving from the bright city lights of Chicago to a small mid-west town of Bomont to live with his aunt and uncle. Everything is different in Bomont, especially the strange law that forbids dancing of any kind within the town's limits. Ren and the minister's rebellious daughter Ariel slowly fall in love with each other as he hatches a plan to try and force the minister to change this law and bring dancing - and therefore life, love and laughter - back to this town which is bound in the sadness of a four-year-old tragedy.

Taking the lead role of Ren this evening was Joe Butler-Smith, and at just 17 years' old he has a bright and assured future ahead of him as his talents seem to know no bounds, especially his balletic dancing. Personable and eminently watchable, he had a lovely understanding of his role and the development of his relationship with both Ariel and Ariel's parents was measured beautifully. Maggie Thompson was Ariel, and proved to be a more than worthy co-star, as her teenage sullenness and wayward nature softened on her every entrance making her relationship with both Ren and her parents all the more real. Ariel's parents, the Rev and Mrs Moore were played with assured authority and commanding quietude by Freddie Tickle and Ruby Thake. They worked well together, and in their moments of solo revelations brought a lump to my throat each time. 

These four were supported by other talented and characterful smaller principal roles. Keira Lambe played Ren's mother Ethel with loving simplicity, whilst Marco Dennis impressed with his comedy timing and movement skill as the hick-with-a-heart, Willard. Three girls are used in this musical (in much the same way as the Delta Nu girls are in Legally Blonde, or the Ronettes in Little Shop Of Horrors), the 'leader' of which is the fast-talking, nervous best friend of Ariel (who also happens to be in love with Willard), Rusty; performed here with glee and gusto by Poppy Preston. 

It is impossible to mention all by name. Suffice to say that there simply was not a weak link in this robust chain of young people, with the chorus singing and dancing to a West End standard. I loved the opening chorus number and the finale sequence - including the after-bows sequence, was simply amazing! (Wonderfully choreographed by Hannah Davis)

A simple composite set was used throughout for most of the locations with extra set items brought in and out as required. This worked well and the changes were all slick. Lighting was imaginative, and sound levels were mostly fine. Occasionally they strayed into 'too loud' territory, but this is a failing in many a modern production sadly, where the thinking is louder = better. In this show, it was only an issue a few times when the on-stage band (sounding excellent under the direction of John Barry) got a little carried away drowning out the principal singers. 

One thing puzzled me throughout the show however, and I am still uncertain about it now. The film (and therefore the musical) is based on a real event, and this event happened in 1978/9, and the film is most certainly set in the 1980s. This evening some of the set items brought on to stage - especially the Minister's house, were clearly 1950s, and we had a roller-skating waitress in a diner - again 1950s. The costumes were a mix of several decades, but most would fit the 1980s. And yet, in the first act there was an extraneous reference to 'Wikipedia', which only came into being in 2001...!

Tempo Youth Theatre continue to inspire, engage, and delight, and their productions are of a professional standard. So everybody simply needs to "cut loose", and get on down to see 'Footloose', the powerhouses of talent on stage will astound.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 22.3.23