Footloose – Liverpool Empire

The audience whooped and cheered as the show started, and as the curtains opened, the cast bounded onto the stage. The full company started as they meant to go on with a high energy, enthusiastic rendition of ‘Footloose’/ ’On Any Sunday’ displaying excitement and commitment to their participation in the show.

This all singing, all dancing production is based on the 1984 film of the same name featuring Kevin Bacon and Sarah Jessica Parker; it sparkles with the spirit of the era from the portrayal of the 1980’s outfits, use of the period’s colloquialisms and famous hit songs. Writer Dean Pitchford based the story on the town of Elmore City, Oklahoma. The town had banned dancing since it was established in 1898 in an effort to reduce the amount of heavy drinking. Because of the ban on dancing, the high school in the town never held a prom. In February 1980, the junior class of Elmore City’s high school made national news when they requested permission to hold a junior prom, and it was granted.

In the show the action revolves around Ren (Joseph Bigley) who has moved to rural backwater, Bomont, supposedly in Utah, USA with his mother Ethel (Amelie Pridgeon). His world comes crashing down when he learns that dancing and rock music are banned there. Ren befriends Willard Hewitt (Kalil Ahmed) and falls for the local minister’s rebellious daughter Ariel (Millie McKeown), angering her boyfriend, Chuck Cranston (Osar Martin). As in the film, taking matters into his own hands, Ren decides to challenge the town’s strict anti-dancing and rock music ban so the high school can hold a senior prom, and all comes good in the end.

The show explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and the importance of self-expression and the cast excel throughout, combining American accents with energetic scenes of dancing and gymnastics. Additionally, the frequent changes of stage sets were carried out by cast members, shifting furniture and props as required.  

The show includes all the classic hits including ‘Holding Out for a Hero’, ‘Almost Paradise’, ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’ and the memorable title track, ‘Footloose’.

All cast members are to be applauded, and the production team, Natalie Flynn (Director), Lucy Kiinsella (Choregrapher) and Paul Lawton (Musical Director) along with the Wardrobe Team, Sound and Lighting Teams and the eight piece orchestra sited on stage, are all to be commended for a wonderful production. The audience showed their appreciation throughout the production and left wanting more.

There is a further show on 9^th August, tickets may be purchased via https://www.liverpooltheatres.com/event/liverpool-empire-youth-theatre-presents-footloose

Reviewer: Anne Pritchard

Reviewed: 8^th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: