Review by Christine Lavelle on 25th March, 2010

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Footloose: The Musical Wednesday 24 March (opening night) Hamilton Town House Motherwell College production The Motherwell College musical theatre students look as though they are having as much fun performing on stage as the audience are watching them. Footloose the Musical is based on the 1980s hit film starring Kevin Bacon. The story revolves around Ren McCormick, a Chicago-born boy who is forced to move to a small town called Bomont, where the local government has banned dancing and rock music. Ren and his classmates want to hold a senior prom with music and dancing. However to do this they must figure out a way to get around the law and Reverend Shaw Moore, who holds a strong influence over the people of Bomont. This adaptation of Footloose puts a modern twist on a classic. The storyline is the same, but the all-singing-all-dancing cast revive it with a lively performance. It tells the tale of teenage angst, rebellion and accepting life’s burdens. The young actors and actresses in the show have a bucket-full of talent, which they are eager to show off. The lead vocalists blow the audience away, and there is an endless string of well choreographed dance routines. They hold their audience’s attention, and the general tone is light with lots of comedy and laughter, but it is not without its emotional moments. Obvious teamwork has gone into this production and it is a huge contributor to the enjoyment of the show. These rising stars seem to be using their talents simply to have fun – no one is taking themselves too seriously. It is arguably quite cheesy – but isn’t that exactly what Footloose set out to do in the first place? This musical achieves its aim and does the original justice. The costumes are done very well, and the set is kept to a minimum – the actual acting and singing and dancing are kept as the main focus, there is no big fancy stage to hide behind. The Hamilton Townhouse is a lovely venue for the show, with lots of friendly staff who do their best to create a welcoming atmosphere. The building was refurbished in 2004, and it is lit and decorated beautifully. In these types of shows, the audience tend to make the atmosphere, and there is plenty of clapping, cheering and singing-along in the Townhouse, encouraged by the youngsters on stage. The big finale is the highlight of the musical. Everyone has been anticipating that song, and when every cast member arrives on stage to belt it out, the audience go mad. The stage is alive with bright colours, 80s outfits, and beaming grins from students who are quite right in being very proud of themselves. Footloose the Musical is definitely worth going to see; it is a very entertaining way to spend an evening.

Date visited: 24 March 2010