FOOTLOOSE: The Musical is based on the hit movie from the 1980s starring Kevin Bacon.

It tells the story of city boy Ren, who has to move to a small American town that nobody has heard of. Due to a previous tragedy, the town in question has banished dancing but after much struggle and resistance, Ren succeeds in making the sort of changes that literally have the whole town on their feet!

At Woking Theatre as part of its UK tour and just ahead of its West End debut, Footloose boasts an impressive cast who entertained throughout the evening with their slick and energetic dance sequences.

Derek Hough, as Ren, proved himself to be a brilliant dancer whose energy was genuinely infectious, although the pick of the performances came from Stevie Tate-Bauer as Rusty.

Stephen McGann was also reliable as Rev Shaw Moore, the stern figure of authority who resists Ren’s attempts to get the town dancing, while former Bucks Fizz member Cheryl Baker capably supported him as Vi.

Her voice was arguably the strongest of all the singers given that she has been performing since 1975. There was even a smart nod to her raunchy dance routine from the Eurovision Song Contest when a fellow cast member ripped her skirt off to reveal a smaller number beneath!

Of course, Footloose is memorable for producing several hit singles, all of which benefited from a classic delivery. Hence ‘80s hits Holding Out For A Hero, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, Almost Paradise and, of course, Footloose provided several crowd-pleasing moments.

Overall, the show leaves you feeling energetic and uplifted and is therefore recommended as a great night out!

Footloose: The Musical
New Victoria Theatre Woking.
Starring: Cheryl Baker, Derek Hough, Stephen McGann and Stevie Tate-Bauer.
Until Saturday, March 18, 2006*