Plymouth Theatre Review

Title of Show: ‘Footloose’

Date of attendance: 16/03/2024

Venue: Plymouth University

Production Type: Musical Theatre

Easy to follow: 4/5

Family friendly: 4/5

Must see: 3/5

Plymouth University’s Musical Theatre Group’s ambitious rendition of Footloose captured the essence of the 80s in a dynamic rendition of this much loved classic. They demonstrated a commendable understanding of the key themes, effectively conveying the rebellion and freedom of expression inherent in the show, to produce a lively and energetic interpretation of this iconic tale. 

Director, Rebecca Mcwass’ ability to utilise minimalistic set design through the use of projections and limited set pieces, highlights her resourcefulness in working within constraints while still setting the scene. This minimalist approach also offered a simplicity and versatility that allowed the audience to focus on individual talents on stage, and provided greater flexibility and ease of transition between scenes. This minimalistic approach does, however, come with limitations in terms of creating a fully immersive spectacle for the audience. Without interactive elements or detailed staging, the production lacked opportunities for dynamic engagement and visual interest points, as well as hindering the actors’ ability to interact with their environment. Overall, while the set did serve its purpose in providing a versatile and practical backdrop for the action, it may have missed opportunities to enhance the theatrical performance and create a visually stimulating experience.

The use of live music played a crucial role in adding depth and richness to the show. The band’s vibrant and skilful performance brought the score to life, enhancing the emotional impact of key plot moments and energising the production. Their versatility and musicianship allowed for seamless adaptation to the changing moods and rhythms, and ensured each musical number resonated with intensity and authenticity.

Several performers delivered standout performances. Kara Morgan’s portrayal of Rusty, for example, was vibrant and energetic, with her deep passion and commitment shining throughout as she captivated the audience with her infectious enthusiasm and charm. Likewise, Krista Dunkers left a lasting impression with her deep understanding of the character, Vi Moore. Her outstanding voice was a particular highlight, captivating the audience who hung on every word she sang and became deeply invested in her character. Josh Frost also stunned with his strong vocal performance and dance skills in his role s Cowboy Bob, bringing an energy and enthusiasm to the opening of the second half that was sometimes lacking in act one. The second half was also a time to shine for the talented Alex Russo as Willard. Russo brought a fresh energy and wit to the stage and delivered a strong performance, demonstrating a commanding presence that captivated and amused. His great comedic timing and charm elevated the performance leaving a lasting impression. Lastly, Sofia Ferreira, as leading lady, Ariel, and Iolo Pennington as Ren McCormack, demonstrated great chemistry together on the stage. Pennington’s character journey was particularly interesting to watch, as he navigated the story and seemed to thrive in the context of his interactions with other performers. 

While the cast did showcase some strong vocal performances (particularly in the second half) the first half appeared to lag in places with a slight lack of energy and momentum which impacted the audiences engagement with the show. However, the strong performances from individual cast members, and the group’s overall commitment to delivering a lively and energetic performance should be highlighted. A tightening of pace in the first half and a deeper commitment to storytelling would elevate the overall experience for both the cast and the audience. The second half redeemed the first, with greater commitment to the performance and a higher level of dedication to delivering punchy and energised renditions of the iconic songs we all know and love.

Plymouth University’s Musical Theatre Groups production of Footloose demonstrated both strengths and areas for improvement. The production exhibited notable triumphs in direction, vocal talent, musical accompaniment and individual performances which elevated the overall performance, demonstrating that passion for theatre and a collation of creative minds makes for a successful and fun production for both audiences and performers. Congratulations to Plymouth University’s Musical Theatre group for another great show!