Viva’s production of Footloose was fantastic. I have always been impressed with this company and with each production the shows seem to get better and better.

Wisbech Standard: Review of Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ at the Brook, Soham on Friday 26th July 2013 Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ was a fantastic success, says our critic.Review of Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ at the Brook, Soham on Friday 26th July 2013 Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ was a fantastic success, says our critic. (Image: Archant)

What made this one phenomenal was not only the huge cast of young, beautiful, talented and vivacious singers and dancers, but the highly professional standard of the performance and the amazing originality of Louise Plummer’s choreography.

Wisbech Standard: Review of Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ at the Brook, Soham on Friday 26th July 2013 Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ was a fantastic success, says our critic.Review of Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ at the Brook, Soham on Friday 26th July 2013 Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ was a fantastic success, says our critic. (Image: Archant)

The stars for me were Ren (played by Duncan Earlham), Ariel (Ellie Bovingdon), Willard (Ben Clark) and Reverend Shaw Moore (Josh Schumann) although the entire cast warrants high praise.

Wisbech Standard: Review of Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ at the Brook, Soham on Friday 26th July 2013 Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ was a fantastic success, says our critic.Review of Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ at the Brook, Soham on Friday 26th July 2013 Viva’s production of ‘Footloose’ was a fantastic success, says our critic. (Image: Archant)

Ren and Ariel were the ideal couple, Ariel the difficult daughter of the entrenched Reverend. Chuck (played by Charlie Ellerton) had been a likely contender for Ariel’s affections but he was soon overtaken by Ren, the new boy in town.

Ren was horrified that dancing was against the law and was determined to change the status quo, making a confrontation with the Reverend inevitable. The emotions evoked in the Reverend were magnificent. An episode when Ren faced the town council provided much humour with some excellent mimicry of a town clerk’s tired, droning voice.

Vi (Alice Turner) stood steadfastly by her intransigent husband, their closeness never over sentimentalized, which could have easily happened with this script.

Great characterization by Lulu (Holly Marsden), Rusty (Chloe Jones), Urleen (Annabelle Davis), Wendy Jo (Emily Smith) and Betty Blast (Molly Kerr) entertained us constantly.

The Principal (Jack Wright), Ethel (Tzarina Payton-Cooper) and the Reverend (Josh Schumann) represented the older generation extremely well, with Josh developing his persona brilliantly with his rigid stature and his aged voice.

The outstanding characterization, drama, music and dance made this production a marvellous experience. Producer and Director Daniel Schumann, his team and his crew are to be congratulated for what must be one of the greatest shows in town!

I look forward to Viva’s performance of The Phantom of the Opera next spring.