Image by Batuhan Kayatepe

On 19^th and 20^th May, UAL’s Drama Society will be taking over the Network Theatre in Waterloo to put on their production of the 1998 musical Footloose.

Footloose is based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon and follows the story of Ren, who moves from Chicago to a small town called Bomont, where dancing is against the law. Ren and his new friends set out to bring dance back to the town, against the wishes of Reverend Moore. 

The show features a number of 80s hits like Let’s Hear It for the Boy, Holding Out for a Hero and, of course, the titular Kenny Loggins track Footloose, as well as music by Jim Steinman. 

Auditions started in February, during which participants had to sing, dance and act for the creative team in the hopes of landing a part in the show.

“I was really nervous because it was the first audition I’d done in four years.” Lucie Baxter, who is multi-rolling two characters in the show, said.

After a dance round, in which auditionees had to perform a line dance to Footloose, and a day of acting and singing, the creative team had to piece together a cast list to bring the show to life.

 “I was jumping up and down when I got the part. I was so happy.” Gina Rosvold, who plays bad boy Chuck Cranston, said.

Rehearsals started on UAL’s Wimbledon campus in March, led and organised by the all-student creative team: Director Mary Hazlitt, Co-choreographers Gigi Chiu and Auxane Battier and Musical Director Cesca Goodhind. 

This is, unsurprisingly, a dance-heavy show, featuring elements of classic musical theatre, jazz and, of course, a fair bit of country line dancing. Despite having just three months to put this production together, whilst both the cast and crew also take on assignments and uni work, the creative team are confident that this show will be a crowd pleaser. 

“The dance is going to be great”, Gigi said, “and we have an amazing cast.”

Aside from the chance to perform, many of the cast have found their favourite part of the process has been the social aspect of being involved in a show.

“It’s been great meeting everyone”, Lucie said, “I feel like I’ve made some great friends.”

This is the drama society’s second musical production, following last year’s production of Legally Blonde, and the entire creative process is entirely student-led. From costume design, which drama society vice-president Róisín Crowley has been working on since March, to set design, choreography and music direction. This production showcases a diverse set of talents from across UAL’s colleges, both on and off stage.

To summarise the show in three words, specifically the words of Auxane: “dancing, cowboys, funky.”