As soon as you hear the opening bars of Kenny Loggin’s smash hit song Footloose, two things happen.
If you’re of a certain age, you’ll instantly be transported back to the summer of 1984 when this song was everywhere, and no matter your age, you’ll want to get up and dance.
The song was one of two number one hits from the movie Footloose, which was also released that year and became one of the highest grossing films in US history.
Fans of the high-kicking musical had to wait until 1998 to see a live version with Footloose: The Musical opening on Broadway in 1998.
It finally made it to these shores in 2006 and is bursting back on stage this summer with a new production which visits His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, from Monday, June 20.
Pop star Gareth Gates, who shot to fame through TV’s Pop Idol and has gone on to have numerous hits, takes the role of Willard; Luke Baker will play Ren McCormack, the role immortalised on screen by Kevin Bacon, while Maureen Nolan plays Vi Moore.
Maureen has been singing with her sisters since she was nine years old, when they became one of Europe’s first girl bands, The Nolans. Best known for their smash hit single I’m in the Mood for Dancing, The Nolans enjoyed phenomenal record sales worldwide, and worked with some of the world’s most respected artists including Frank Sinatra.
She’s also no stranger to the stage having starred as Sadie in Girl’s Behind, Jill in Mum’s the Word, Sarah in The Naked Truth and as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers. Incidentally becoming the fourth Nolan sister to play the role, something that earned them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
“Both Vi Moore and Mrs Johnstone are quite strong women. Vi is very much a mediator, always trying to keep the peace between her husband and her daughter because they’re always arguing, while Mrs Johnstone is a mother down on her luck and very poor,” said Maureen, who celebrates her 62nd birthday in June.
“There’s definitely similarities between the two women and both are the linchpin of their families which a lot of mothers are.
“My own mother was more like Mrs Johnstone. We weren’t so poor but grew up in a council estate in Dublin; she had eight children and found the time to sing at night. I’ve no idea how my mother managed to do any of it – it’s beyond belief.
“I have one son, who is now 27, and remember phoning her up and saying I wished somebody would come and take the baby for a while. Goodness knows what she must have thought,” said Maureen, laughing at the memory.
Maureen, who lives in Blackpool with her husband Ritchie Hoyle, is now a grandmother to three girls who are also showing the same talent for singing as the rest of the family. She loves, and has always loved, having her family around her. When asked to look back on her many career highlights, it’s the fun times with the family that spring to mind.
“There were so many highlights such as touring Japan, which was very hard work, but just an amazing experience,” said Maureen.
“I liked the laughs we had together and recall one record producer asking what on Earth we found to talk about as we’d been together all our lives. But we never ran out of things to talk about as we were each others’ best friends.
“Some of my best memories come from the days when the hit records began to wane. We’d do summer seasons and pantomimes and bring our kids along. Theatres were awash with buggies. We’d be up early in the morning with the kids, go out to the park or a farm with them and manage to fit in two shows a day.”
Her schedule is still pretty punishing and in order to keep fit, Maureen tries to run a couple of miles every other day, but laughingly confesses that on this tour, that plan has fallen by the wayside somewhat. However, she looks remarkably fit and fresh faced.
“I think that’s more down to the genes I inherited from my parents,” said Maureen, who has two lovely songs in the show: Can You Find It In Your Heart and Be Silent. And while she’s in great voice, she’s keen to praise the rest of the talented cast.
“The folk in this show are amazing talented as they act, sing, dance and play musical instruments – they are the band as well, and incredible to watch. Without sounding patronising, I think people will be surprised by Gareth Gates. Apart from being really nice and having a great voice, he really can act and dance very well.”
Footloose: The Musical tells the story of city boy Ren, who has to move to a rural backwater in America where dancing is banned. All hell breaks out as Ren breaks loose and soon has the whole town up on its feet. Featuring classic 80s hits including Holding Out For A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the unforgettable title track, Footloose.
“What I like about this musical is that it’s based on a true story. It’s a great story and there’s great dancing and music. People will come out on a high after seeing the show,” said Maureen.
The show, which is once more taking theatres by storm, is bursting with youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music. The cast also features Hannah Price as Ariel Moore, Nigel Lister as Reverend Shaw Moore, Nicky Swift as Ethel McCormack, Joanna Sawyer as Rusty, Matthew Tomlinson as Chuck, Natasha Brown as Wendy-Jo, Miracle Chance as Urleen, Thomas Cotran as Jeter and Scott Haining as Bickie. The cast also includes Lauren Storer, Natalie Morton-Graham, Luke Thornton and Alex Marshall.
Footloose: The Musical is at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, from Monday, June 20, until Saturday, June 25. Contact: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com or 01224 641122.