DOLMAN Theatre was packed for the debut of Young Venture Players’ (YVP) performance of Footloose and the crowd weren’t disappointed.

For many cast members this was their final performance with YVP and it was evident the teenagers’ poured their heart and soul into Footloose, overcoming the difficulties they must have faced memorising songs and dance routines.

It follows teenager Ren McCormack, energetically played by Declan Joyce, forced to leave Chicago with his mother to live in a small town where rock ‘n’ roll and dancing is illegal. His mere presence stirs up trouble, particularly with the strict Reverand Shaw who is unhappy when Ren befriends his daughter, Ariel, played by Rachel Mcauliffe.

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Although Footloose is emotional at times, exploring topics of abandonment and loss, it had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments with the cast glowing with enthusiasm throughout. They made the entire production seem effortless, despite various set and costume changes. They had a professional the-show-must-go-on attitude; at one point someone lost their shoe on stage, but if you blinked you wouldn’t have noticed.

All involved, including the band, put on a spectacular production that oozed with energy and professionalism. It was lively and fun with the only issue – which is slight – being that some actors’ microphones were somewhat faulty which made some of the lines difficult to hear over the music.

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Overall it was a moving and lively performance which gripped the audience throughout, with them singing praises on the performance whilst leaving the theatre. Although many of the members are leaving Young Ventures it’s clear that they have promising futures ahead of them.

Footloose will be at Dolman Theatre today and tomorrow at 7.15pm.

Book tickets at dolmantheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01633 263670.

By Leah Powell