FOOTLOOSE fans weren’t afraid to ‘cut loose’ in the Bristol Hippodrome last night, as the hit musical based on the cult eighties film came to town.

This high energy production put the audience in the mood for fun from the very beginning, starting with the famous ‘Footloose’ tune; just the first of one of the many songs from what has to be one of the most recognisable film soundtracks of all times.

Adam C Booth took on Bacon’s role as Ren, and his dancing skills certainly made the grade – as did the whole ensemble, who whooped, skipped and jumped their way through two hours of high energy entertainment.

It must be difficult to choreograph a musical about a town where singing and dancing are banned, and at times Act 1 did struggle to maintain momentum. However, an energetic and talented ensemble made sure that the crowd was always kept entertained – particularly in the ‘Burger Blast’ scene, when a selection of ‘heroes’ hit the stage in varying stages of undress.

Act 2 put the acting talents of Giovanni Spano in the spotlight, and it must be said that he really stole the show as Willard, Ren’s hapless sidekick, together with Jodie Jacobs, who played Rusty.

The role of Reverend Moore was taken by Brookside star Steven Pinder, but this really was a ‘team’ performance and every member of the cast had an integral role to play – and they played it well.

The atmospheric lighting made the most of a relatively simple set, but, as in the film, it was the music and dancing that made this a spectacular night of live entertainment.

The entire audience was on its feet for the final medley of songs, and the rapturous applause was well deserved!

Often, such high expectations can leave people disappointed, but the crowd left the theatre buzzing with ‘dance fever’ and an appreciation of a great show.

Footloose- The Musical is on at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday, June 18.