Footloose The Musical, Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh Review:

**** 4 Stars

“Captures the heart of the original beautifully!“

The Eternally popular pop musical Footloose based on the 1984 motion picture is chalking up its 28^th anniversary since its debut in 1998 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. Adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford &Walter Bobbie and featuring music by Tom Snow with lyrics by Dean Pitchford, the musical tells the story of Ren McCormack (Sean Vannet) and his mother Ethel (Denise Trenor) who following the departure of Ren’s Father are forced to move to middle America to live with relatives in the town of Bomont. A town that’s troubled by a tragedy that befell it four years previously where dancing is banned, and the local reverend rules the roost.  What unfolds is an exploration of self, love, loss and dealing with grief and the unifying power of dance as an expression for our emotions.

Edinburgh based EMT revisit the production having staged it back in 2010 with new take on the show directed by Clare Wooton, choreographed by Flick Hannah and with musical direction from Emily Paterson in a production that captures the heart of the original beautifully.

The show is packed with excellent performances especially from the leads, Sean Vannet who delivers an emotionally honest turn rich in depth and character, he has great acting chops. The same is true of Tara McCullough as Ariel Moore her gorgeous voice soars and she captures the angst of teenage years excellently. Joshua Clarke’s Rev Shaw Moore could use a little more force, but he delivers a character whose internal conflict is portrayed with sensitivity. Denise Treanor is a pitch perfect single mother as Ren’s mum Ethel her performance is rich in wisdom. Special mention must go to Sarah-Louise Donnelly (Rusty), Anna Spence (Urleen) and Wallis Hamilton Carmichael (Wendy-Jo) an incredible female trio who blend their harmonies to perfection and makes “Somebody’s Eye’s” a stand out song in the show.

Director Clare Wooton and Choregrapher Flick Hannah have ensured every member of the 35 strong ensemble cast get there moment to shine but that said the decision to have the wonderful Robbie Noble, who is excellent as Chuck Cranston, perform as a featured dancer is jarring as one minute he is a baddie the next a beloved town member and it doesn’t quite work although Noble is an accomplished dancer.

Flick Hannah’s Choreography is a joy, perfectly capturing the original look and feel but refreshing it to give EMT a show that’s uniquely theirs. Musical Director Emily Paterson has done well on the music front ensuring the songs are delivered to the best of their abilities and backed by a fabulous seven strong pit band.

Both cast and band are supported by a faultless sound design from Blue Parrot productions which blends effortlessly with Lucas Milton’s lighting design combined with Chloe Bingham simple but effective Scenic design. The decision to use raised platforms helps no end and ensures while visually simple the story is delivered in excellent style.

EMT have brought a production of Footloose that delivers everything it should giving the audience a wonderful evening of musical theatre to enjoy. With a short run planed, head to the church hill theatre and get what few tickets remain, and you too can cut loose!

EMT Presents Footloose the Musical, Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh, Runs until Saturday 4^th April  for more information and tickets go to: Box Office – Edinburgh Music Theatre