Get ready to cut loose as smash-hit musical Footloose dances its way into York.
It follows two critically acclaimed tours and a run in the West End, and will feature stars of stage and screen Jake Quickenden and Darren Day.
Hear iconic tunes such as Holding Out for a Hero, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and, of course, the title track as the toe-tapping musical will be at York Theatre Royal from Monday 28 March to Saturday 2 April 2022.
Based on the 1980s movie, Footloose finds city boy Ren forced to move to a rural backwater in America. Things go from bad to worse when he finds out that in Bomont dancing and rock music are banned. Taking matters into his own hands, soon Ren has all hell breaking loose and the whole town on its feet.
Jake Quickenden will play lovable cowboy Willard. Jake has been a familiar face on our screens after appearing on The X Factor, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and winning Dancing On Ice. He’s also no stranger to the stage having performed in the title role of Peter Pan at Blackpool Opera House, toured with the Dreamboys and most recently starred in the 50th anniversary production of Hair the Musical.
Darren Day will play Reverend Moore, and has appeared in numerous West End and national tours in shows such as Mame, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Grease and Summer Holiday.
Completing the cast are Joshua Hawkins (Ren), Lucy Munden (Ariel), Oonagh Cox (Rusty), Anna Westlake (Lulu), Alex Fobbester (Bickle), Ben Barrow (Wes), Ben Mabberley (Jeter), Geri Allen (Ethal), Holly Ashton (Vi), Jess Barker (Wendi-Jo), Samantha Richards (Urleen), Tom Mussell (Chuck), with Daniel Miles and Lucy Ireland as off-stage swings.
Tickets start from £15 and can be purchased via the York Theatre Royal website.
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Q&A with Darren Day
You’re back on the road in Footloose – how does it feel to be back on tour?
We were about to go into rehearsals for Footloose when the pandemic hit and the tour was rescheduled a few times before dates were set for our 2022 opening – almost a full two years later than originally planned. It is amazing to be back out there with the show.
2020 was devastating for us all. Having not been able to perform during the pandemic, going back on stage and being part of a big musical feels so magical.
I recently finished the UK tour of Chicago which was brilliant, and during that tour I saw a genuine thirst for live theatre so I couldn’t be more delighted to move straight into another tour with Footloose.
Can you tell us a little bit about this tour of Footloose?
This production of Footloose is particularly special, even if you have seen it before you will want to see it again – and this new version will blow you away.
It’s been reworked with a new set, new costumes, the lot. Racky Plews, who’s directing, has brought an edgy and exciting new take on the show. She’s been working closely with the writer of the original movie and songs, Dean Pitchford and his input into this new production has been invaluable.
The cast and the whole team on this are truly ‘the cream of the crop’ – a really gifted bunch of performers.
And what about your role as Reverend Moore?
I’m so happy to be playing the Reverend. Over a decade ago I met with the producers for Footloose and Chicago within about three months of each other. I was told I didn’t look old enough – the only downside of me playing these two roles back-to-back is that I must now look ‘old enough’!
Having a teenage daughter myself I have a lot of ‘method’ experience to draw upon! It’s tough letting your ‘little princess’ out into the big bad world.
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What do you think keeps Footloose so fresh and audiences coming back for more?
The great thing about Footloose which I think separates it from other ‘jukebox’ shows is that Dean Pitchford wrote the songs specifically for the movie. So, not only are these songs instantly recognisable the second the intro to them begins, they also carry the plot forward in a very truthful way.
In the show there are these massive hit tunes that everyone recognises along with a strong and beautiful storyline. It’s a really feel-good show – no doubt about it.
Do you have a favourite moment in the show?
I guess one of my favourite moments in the show is my solo song ‘Heaven Help Me’. It’s a brilliant tune with beautifully written lyrics. Also the poignant moments with the Reverend’s daughter are lovely to play – and the revelations that happen to him.
My favourite moment in the rehearsal room was when I sat and watched the cast perform the opening number of the title song. I got goosebumps and thought to myself if this is how it feels in a rehearsal room the way it’s going to feel with a set, costumes and on a stage with an audience will be breath-taking.
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Finally – why should people come and see Footloose?
You are going to have the most incredible night. You’re going to hear songs that are instantly recognisable, and I challenge you not to sing along to them. There are big numbers, there’s a beautiful story going on, the cast are ridiculously talented. You’ll leave the theatre buzzing after having a very special night out. We will have a ball and I can’t wait to see everyone up on their feet at the end to cut loose!
Coming next at York Theatre Royal
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