THIS is an excellent new production based on the hit 1984 movie, memorably starring Kevin Bacon.

Chicago teenager Ren McCormack is forced to move with his mother to Bomont, an American rural backwater.

He attends the local High School, starts to settle in, but is amazed to learn that the small town has banned dancing. This is because the local preacher considers it unsuitable for young people, as his son and three others were killed in a car crash returning from a night out dancing.

Featuring a multi-talented young cast, who act, sing, dance, and play musical instruments with infectious energy, this is a hugely enjoyable show.

American accents are spot-on, stage sets are wonderfully imaginative, vocal harmonies are full and rich, costumes are colourfully convincing, choreography sparkles, and having a waitress playing saxophone on roller skates sums up the versatility of this exceptional cast.

This lively musical features some memorable numbers – Somebody’s Eyes encapsulates small town intrusive atmosphere, I’m Holding Out For A Hero is a great rock song, Let’s Hear It For The Boy is a feel-good anthem, and the iconic title number Footloose will stay in your mind long after the curtain falls.

Footloose – The Musical sizzles with the spirit of youth, rebellion and romance, counterbalanced with the tragic loss of four young lives after a night out having fun.

Can Ren persuade the preacher to reinstate dancing?

Footloose runs until Saturday.

Brendan McCusker