A fresh musical adaptation of the hit 1980s movie which starred Kevin Bacon, leads the Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s jam-packed season. Featuring a talented ensemble, and a feel-good story, this is the perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Photography by Fraser Band.
Since opening on Broadway in 1998, Footloose The Musical has enjoyed several touring runs across the UK, and played in London’s West End. The show follows Ren McCormack, a Chicago city kid who has moved with his mum to Bomont, a conservative, church-focused town which has outlawed dancing. Throughout the show, you see Ren try to change the town's reverend’s views and be able to stage a dance for him and his school friends. Throughout the show, you are also introduced to Ariel, the rebellious daughter of the reverend who remembers a time when dancing was allowed, as well as Willard Hewitt who is a young cowboy, who builds a strong friendship with Ren. The town is weary of this outsider but comes to see that this rebellious out-of-towner simply wants to dance.
Playing the leading role of Ren in this production, Luke Wilson gives it his all and is versatile in his dancing ability, and overall his acting and vocals. A brilliant triple-threat performer. Robin Simpson as Reverend Shaw Moore is a strong performer who nails the show's more emotional moments and goes on a real character journey throughout the piece. Kirsty Findlay as Ariel Moore is a fantastic vocalist and has great chemistry with Luke Wilson’s Ren. Kirsty is also starring in Beautiful The Carole King Musical this season. With Kate’s brilliant vocals, and strong acting ability, this has made me keen on seeing that show too. Overall the ensemble is very strong and delivers a west-end quality show at a fraction of the price.
Photography by Fraser Band.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre is the perfect space as its design feels intimate and you feel close even at the very back of the theatre. Its location hidden in the beautiful Pitlochry surroundings makes it a theatre like no other with a large-scale renovation project a few years ago giving the theatre an updated decor and a new life. As you sit down in the auditorium, you a welcomed into one of the best theatre spaces this country has to offer.
Photography by Fraser Band.
Douglas Rintoul’s direction utilises the talented ensemble to their best and delivers a mixture of powerful performances throughout. The design by Adrian Rees is very impressive and makes the most out of the space. Clever use of lighting, under the direction of Jeanine Byrne as well as a custom multi-purpose set, allows for scenes to flow seamlessly and clever choices like lighting in a section at the top of the stage to suggest the train moving work well.
Photography by Fraser Band.
Overall this is the show for the summer. With a brilliant pop musical score, great dancing and powerful performances, a trip to Pitlochry for Footloose the Musical is a must-do.
This musical has been rated ☆☆☆☆☆
Footloose The Musical runs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre on various performances until the 26th of September. For show performance information as well as to tickets for the rest of the summer offering visit: https://pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/whats-on/
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