SUPAS’ Footloose – 29 April 2026, University Drama Studio
Review by Ellie Needham.
I had the pleasure of attending a vibrant and energetic production of Footloose the Musical, performed by Sheffield University Performing Arts Society (SUPAS). This uplifting show, based on the classic story of a city teenager who moves to a small town where dancing is banned, follows Ren McCormack as he challenges strict rules and inspires a community to rediscover joy, freedom, and self-expression. The production had the audience tapping their feet and clapping along as the cast brought this much-loved story to life.
James, who played Ren McCormack, gave a standout triple-threat performance, seamlessly blending his singing, dancing and acting. In the role of Ariel was Lucy, whose dancing and singing abilities suited the character well. I especially loved her harmonies with James during Almost Paradise.
Equally impressive was Evan as Chuck, whose strong vocals and convincing portrayal made the character truly come to life on stage. Euan, playing the lovable Willard, had great comedic timing and it was obvious he had spent time building the characterisation of Willard’s quirky personality. His moments on stage were a definite highlight.
Jude playing Shaw and Ellie playing Vi delivered brilliant performances, with both their acting and singing standing out as particularly memorable. Izzy as Rusty was another triple threat, with outstanding vocals that brought great energy to the stage. Katie as Urleen and Kayla as Wendy Jo added plenty of humour, while also convincingly portraying the closeness of their friendship group, which added warmth and authenticity to the show. Izzy, Katie and Kayla worked together amazingly to sing perfect harmonies.
The harmonies throughout the show were fantastic, with Somebody’s Eyes being a prime example of how well the cast worked together vocally. The ensemble was impressive throughout, maintaining strong individual characterisations while contributing to a cohesive and energetic group performance.
The set design was minimalist, which proved effective as the simplicity allowed the talented cast to shine and ensured the action flowed smoothly. A particularly fun and inventive touch was the use of scooters in the diner scene – a comical addition compared to other productions I have seen, and one that worked very well in bringing the scene to life.
The technical elements were not to be missed. Lighting changes enhanced key emotional moments in songs, adding depth to the storytelling, while the sound levels were consistently well-balanced, allowing both dialogue and music to be clearly enjoyed. Costuming was also an interesting choice, with many performers wearing the same outfits throughout. While different from other productions, this worked fine.
The choreography, put together by Zara and Stan, was fast-paced and engaging, complementing the high-energy nature of the show. Coby, the musical director, alongside his band, seamlessly led the cast through group numbers, scene changes, duets and solos.
Behind the scenes, stage manager Charley ensured that scene changes happened smoothly, contributing to the overall polish of the performance. It was clear this was a well rehearsed musical, with a great deal of time and effort invested by everyone involved.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this production of Footloose. From the spirited performances to the wonderful harmonies and creative staging choices, it’s a show packed with energy. The director, Rory, should be very proud of the cast and over the moon with the opening night performance. Thank you for the opportunity to review this performance. Well done to everyone involved! I have no doubt that audiences will continue to enjoy it throughout the rest of the week!
