Footloose and in an eighties musical fever

Sep 7 2010 By Siba Matti, Harrow Observer

EIGHTIES fever swept the Beck Theatre in Hayes as 120 nine to 19-year-olds took to the stage for a production of Footloose!

The aspiring actors and actresses were taking part in the theatre's annual summer youth project, in which they had just two weeks to learn their lines and rehearse, under the supervision of a professional production team.

Their hard work culminated in five performances at the end of August, telling the story of teenage boy Ren (played by Dayle Hodge), who moves from Chicago to small town Beaumont and is shocked to learn that dancing is banned by the local preacher.

The cast received rapturous applause for brilliantly performed musical numbers including Let's Hear It For The Boy, Holding Out For A Hero and Footloose.

Kitty Murdoch, 17, of Ickenham, who played the preacher's wife, Vi Moore, said: "It was a brilliant experience to perform with all my friends and exhilarating to work on a very challenging production in such a short amount of time.

"It certainly kept us on our toes." Project co-ordinators Catherine Goss and Hollie King said they were both very proud of all those involved in the summer project.

Ms Goss said: "Each year our production team works so hard with our talented cast, and they always amaze us with their commitment, enthusiasm and ability to learn lines."

If you would like to be involved in The Beck Theatre's 2011 Summer Project, keep an eye on www.becktheatre.org.uk  for announcements.