Theatre Arts of Dukinfield and Ashton (TADAA) bring explosive energy and heartfelt storytelling to Mossley’s George Lawton Hall with their vibrant production of Footloose – a show bursting with music, movement, and emotion.
This wasn’t the story I was expecting. Admittedly, I’d never seen the film or the musical before. I’d imagined something set in modern-day USA with a bit of a Saturday Night Fever vibe, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The story unfolds in a small Midwestern town called Bomont and centres on a high-spirited young man who relocates there from Chicago, only to discover that dancing is banned.
The local preacher, still grieving the loss of his son after a tragic accident at a local dance years earlier, enforces the rule with conviction. A love triangle soon develops between the newcomer, the preacher’s daughter, and her boyfriend, Chuck.
As the title Footloose suggests, there’s no shortage of dancing in this energetic production by TADAA’s 40-strong ensemble. You might wonder how they fit such a large cast onto the traditional stage at Mossley’s George Lawton Hall – but the clever answer is, they didn’t! The expertly choreographed numbers spilled onto the central floor, with the audience seated around the action, creating a dynamic, immersive experience that was virtually “in the round.”
There were several standout performances in this feelgood show, which featured familiar hits like Let’s Hear It for the Boy, Holding Out for a Hero, and, of course, Footloose. Elizabeth Parkin, as the preacher’s daughter Ariel, completely embodied her role, while the consistently brilliant Paul Allison delivered a powerful portrayal of the conflicted preacher, taking us seamlessly from anger to enlightenment.
I’ve watched Davey-Blue Robson, who played Ren- the Chicago newcomer- blossom into an accomplished leading man since his early days at Denton’s Ensemble Theatre, led by the brilliant Janet Fagan.
His growing confidence shone throughout. Megan Ashbrook’s vocals as Rusty were superb, but it was Cameron Kennedy’s comic turn as Willard Hewitt that really caught my eye.
Comedy is never easy, but Kennedy nailed the subtleties of Willard’s transformation from awkward farm boy to proud boyfriend of Rusty—it was a joy to watch.
A special mention must go to Carolynne Jones Crowder, who choreographed this feast for the eyes. Her creativity and precision elevated the entire production. I’ve no doubt her family, who were proudly seated in the packed audience, were thrilled by her work.
Footloose runs all week at the George Lawton Hall in Mossley—I highly recommend you see it for yourself if you can.