See Footloose in Ashburton!
Ashburton Variety Theatre’s production of Footloose proves you don’t need to live in a big city to discover a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre, writes Metropol’s Nancye Pitt in her review. Staged at the fabulous Ashburton Event Centre, this show bursts with heart, community spirit, and enough energy to have the audience tapping their feet from start to finish.
At the centre of the story is Ren McCormack played by Eddie Galbraith, the city boy dropped into the conservative town of Bomont, where dancing is banned. The actor playing Ren gives a warm, charismatic performance, capturing both the frustration of being an outsider and the optimism of a teenager determined to change things. His vocals in numbers like “I Can’t Stand Still” and “I’m Free” are confident and full of character, and he carries the show with real presence.
Opposite Ren, Zoe Nicholls playing Ariel Moore is a standout. She balances rebellious attitude with emotional vulnerability. Her singing of “Holding Out for a Hero” presents both sides of her personality, and the Ensemble add depth to the song with their enthusiasm.
Willard, played by Joe Danielson is Ren’s slightly clumsy but big‑hearted friend, nearly steals every scene he’s in, with excellent comedic timing and a wonderfully awkward charm. His song “Mama Says” is a real scene highlight. Joe is an absolute delight. Reverend Shaw played by Matt Williams with his outstanding strong stage presence was the villain portraying the grieving father trying – sometimes misguidedly – to protect his community. His scenes with Ariel and Ren lend the production emotional weight and keep the story grounded. He has a powerful voice and the part of Reverend suits him perfectly.
Ensemble numbers like “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” are lively, and clearly well‑rehearsed. The dancing was polished with huge enthusiasm, commitment, and obvious sheer joy.
The set is simple but cleverly used, with quick transitions that keep the story moving from church to school to home. Costumes represent the 80’s (which I well remember!) without feeling overdone, and the lighting helps mark changes in mood—from playful party scenes to more serious, reflective moments in the church and at home.
What really shines through is the sense of community. It’s clear that a huge amount of local time, talent, and care has gone into bringing Footloose to the stage. I’ve been watching Eddie Galbraith (Ren),since he was 10 years old when he was a small boy playing Oliver in Oliver Twist back in 2015. Something to remember when you go to Footloose is that the young lead ladies are all still at Ashburton College and perform like they were born on the stage. This is by far the youngest cast Ashburton Variety Theatre has had for their annual major production, and it fills my heart with joy knowing that their theatre is in great hands and will continue to present amazing shows to the Canterbury audiences giving our so talented youth the opportunity to shine.
More than just a fun, nostalgic musical, this Footloose finds the heart of the story – a town wrestling with grief, a generation pushing for change, and a community learning to loosen its grip and let its young people dance. This show will send you out the door smiling – and fighting the urge to dance all the way to the car park.
Get your tickets for opening night tomorrow here
Saturday 23rd – Matinee Sunday 24th – Tuesday 26th – Saturday 30th May
