DARREN Day made his name as the fresh-faced, boy-next-door star of Summer Holiday in the Nineties.
Now he’s on tour playing the joyless, troubled Reverend Moore in Footloose - and he’s delighted.
“I’m so happy to be playing the Reverend,” says Darren. “Over a decade ago I met with the producers for Footloose and Chicago. I was told I didn’t look old enough for either part (Rev Moore and Billy Flynn)! So the only downside of me playing these two roles back-to-back is that I must now look old enough!
He adds: “Billy and the Reverend have been on my bucket list of roles, to play them both in one year is exciting.”
Footloose the Musical, at Bradford’s Alhambra theatre from June 20-25, is about city boy Ren, who thinks life is over when he’s forced to move to a rural small town in the south west of America.
When he discovers that dancing and rock music are banned by the strict Rev Moore, he takes matters into his own hands and has all hell breaking loose and the town on its feet.
The show is based on the 1984 film, a huge box office hit, and features its mega-hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and of course the catchy title track. Dancing on Ice winner Jake Quickenden plays Ren’s pal, Willard.
Since landing his first starring theatre role in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Darren has starred in such shows as Grease, Alfie, Carousel, Godspell and The Rocky Horror Show and more recently played Bob in Rita Sue and Bob Too. His TV career has included Stella, Hollyoaks and Holby City and he was a finalist on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016.
He was about to go into rehearsals for Footloose when the pandemic hit. “The tour was rescheduled a few times before dates were set for 2022, almost a full two years later than originally planned. Its amazing to be back out there,” he says. “Going back on stage as 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.
“I recently finished the UK tour of Chicago and I saw a genuine thirst for live theatre.”
What can he tell us about this tour of Footloose? “It has been reworked with a new set, new costumes. The lot. Racky Plews, who’s directing, has brought an edgy new take. She’s worked closely with the writer of the original movie and songs, Dean Pitchford, and his input has been invaluable. The cast and whole team are a gifted bunch of performers - acting, singing, dancing and playing instruments throughout.”
Why do audiences keep returning to Footloose? “What I think separates it from other ‘jukebox’ shows, is that Dean Pitchford wrote the songs for the movie. So not only are they instantly recognisable, they also carry the plot in a truthful way.
“My favourite moment in the rehearsal room was when I sat and watched the cast perform the opening number. I got goosebumps and thought 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.”
* THERE’S more Eighties fun over at Bradford Playhouse, which is staging The Wedding Singer.
It’s the first musical at the Little Germany theatre since before the pandemic.Inspired by the hit Adam Sandler film, the stage production follows the life of a wedding singer who’s struggling with his own wedding disaster. When Robbie Hart, played by Gavin Birrell, splits with his fiancé, Linda (Sophie Chellam), his band mates (Fen Greatley-Hirsch and Joe Parkes) try to help him through his heartbreak. Despite his diminished work ethic following his break-up, Robbie continues to sing at weddings and soon meets Julia (Beth Brewer).
Robbie and Julia hit it off and their relationship grows, but in romantic comedy tradition, things don’t exactly run smoothly. Not only is Holly (Tayler Wright) after Robbie, Julia soon becomes engaged to Glen (David Ayres).
And Elvis Presley appears at some point too...
“From teachers to students, each member of the team has attended hours of rehearsals to perfect those 80s dance moves,” says co-director Kat McEachran. “We have gathered a wardrobe full of big wigs, wedding dresses, and parachute pants! From our first-time performers to our veterans, everyone has put their heart and soul into this musical.”
Which weddings will go ahead? Which relationships will fall apart? Find out at Bradford Playhouse from June 15-18 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee and evening show to enjoy. Call (01274) 800415 or visit bradfordplayhouse.org.uk
* IF you missed out on seeing Strictly hunk Giovanni Pernice at St George’s Hall earlier this year - or if you simply can’t get enough of Gio - head over to Halifax’s Victoria Theatre.
The reigning Strictly champion is sharing the stage with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke for their Him & Me show - a mix of “dance, song and fun” - on Monday, June 27. The Ballroom King and the Jive Master will be joined by a world-class cast of dancers and singers.
Says Giovanni: “Anton is the best by far...fact. He is the ultimate legend, I’m really happy to tour with him.”
Adds Anton: “I love Giovanni’s enthusiasm. He’s a wonderful dancer and an absolute stage presence”.
Him & Me is directed by West End star Alan Burkitt, who has performed in shows including Top Hat and We Will Rock You, and has choreographed for Strictly Come Dancing. Visit victoriatheatre.co.uk or call (01422) 351158.
* DREAMBOATS and Petticoats is back for a third instalment called Bringing on the Good Times.
With a book by comedy writing maestros Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the show is inspired by the million-selling albums and its nostalgic score includes Venus in Blue Jeans, Go Away Little Girl and It’s Almost Tomorrow.
This new show, about a group of young pals in the rock ‘n’ roll years, finds Laura with a successful solo career, but her partner on No.1 hit Dreamboats and Petticoats has left the spotlight and re-joined his former group, Norman and The Conquests. The gang reunites for a season at Butlins and even an appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest - leading them back into each other’s arms. Runs at the Alhambra from June 27 to July 2.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here