An interview with

A Day to remember

Footloose The Musical is touring the UK until August, and is visiting Venue Cymru later on this month. We met up with star Darren Day to find out more…

Following two critically acclaimed tours and huge popular demand, Footloose The Musical is back and better than ever! TV star and musical theatre favourite Darren Day joins the cast of the tour as Rev. Moore and we caught up with him to find out a

little more about the tour and his role in the show…

You’re back on the road in Footloose The Musical – how does it feel to be back on tour?

We were about to go into rehearsals for Footloose when the Pandemic hit and the tour was rescheduled a few times before dates were set for our 2022 opening, almost a full two years later than originally planned, and it is amazing to be back out there with the show.

2020 was devastating for us all. But coming out of the other end things have really started moving quickly for me. Having not been able to perform during the pandemic, going back on stage and being part of a big musical feels so magical, in the way it felt when I landed the role of Joseph at the Palladium at the beginning of my career.

What do you think keeps Footloose so fresh and keeps audiences coming back for more?

The great thing about Footloose which I think separates it from other ‘jukebox’ shows is that Dean Pitchford wrote the songs specifically for the movie. So, not only are these songs instantly

recognisable the second the intro to them begins, they also carry the plot forward in a very truthful way. Apologies for that sounding incredibly ‘arty’ and ‘theatrical’ but they do!

Do you have a favourite moment in the show?

I guess one of my favourite moments in the show is my solo song ‘Heaven Help Me’ It’s a brilliant tune with beautifully written lyrics. Also the poignant moments with the Reverend’s daughter are lovely to play - and the revelations that happen to him. My favourite moment in the rehearsal room was when I sat and watched the cast perform the opening number of the title song. I got goosebumps and thought to myself if this is how it feels in a rehearsal room the way it’s going to feel with a set, costumes and on a stage with an audience will be breathtaking.

Finally – why do you think people should come and see Footloose at Venue Cymru?

You are going to have the most incredible night. You’re going to hear songs that are instantly recognisable, and I challenge you not to sing along to them. There are big numbers, there’s a beautiful story going on, the cast are ridiculously talented. You’ll leave the theatre buzzing after having a very special night out. We will have a ball and I can’t wait to see everyone up on their feet at the end to cut loose! n

Can you tell us a little bit about this tour of Footloose?

This production of Footloose is particularly a special, even if you have seen it before you will want to see it again… and this new version will blow you away. It’s been reworked with a new set, new costumes. The lot.

And what about your role as the Reverend?

I’m so happy to be playing the Reverend. Over a decade ago I met with the producers for Footloose and Chicago within about three months of each other. I was told I didn’t look old enough! So… the only downside of me playing these two roles back-toback is that I must now look ‘old enough!!’ Having a teenage daughter myself (in real life!) I have a lot of ‘method’ experience to draw upon! It’s tough letting your ‘little princess’ out into the big bad world!

Footloose The Musical is playing at Venue Cymru from 23rd – 28th May. For full listings visit www.footloose-musical.com, follow on social media @FootlooseTour #EverybodyCutLoose and follow Darren @DarrenDayOfficial for a peek behind the scenes of the tour!

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