THE explosive rock ‘n’ roll musical sensation Footloose is set to set to wow audiences when it bursts onto the stage at Stourport’s The Civic later this month.

Based on the 1980s hit film, the show exudes the spirit of youth, rebellion and romance, with toe-tapping hits including Let’s Hear it for the Boy, Almost Paradise, Holding out for a Hero and the unforgettable title track Footloose.

City boy Ren thinks his life is over when he is forced to move to the American rural backwater of Bomont. But things are far worse than he could have ever imagined, as the town bans dancing. It is not long before Ren cannot resist breaking the rule – and he is not alone.

A strong cast of local talent includes many past and present members of Kidderminster’s award-winning Splinters Dance Studio – and features three of one of the area’s most talented families.

Teenager Daniel Richards plays the lead Ren, with mum Sarah as Vi Moore and dad Darren as Rev Shaw Moore.

Director and choreographer Jane Bennett said: “They have all performed in many shows around the area and Dan, at just 15, is a star in the making. He has a sister Jessica, who is also a superb singer and Darren’s brother is a well-known Wyre Forest performer. – I have nicknamed them Kidderminster’s Von Trapp family as they all have such amazing voices.”

Darren, who is currently busy directing South Pacific for Carpet Trades Operatic Society, which opens next month at Kidderminster’s Rose Theatre, was persuaded to take on what is a pivotal role in the show by musical director David Howles.

Other leading lights of the Limelight production include well-known local singer Sadie Owen as Ariel Moore, Sam Wall as Coach Dunbar, Jamie Attwell as Willard and Toni-Jayne Bouncer-Gramman as Ethel McCormack.

Limelight members have had to pull out all the stops to get the staging ready after one of the principal set builders, Adam L’Enfant, was seriously injured when he fell while cutting a hedge and was impaled on railings.

Miss Bennett said: “Thankfully, he is making a good recovery and everyone has pulled together to help out as he is a leading member of our excellent backstage crew.”

Complete with an eight-piece orchestra, Footloose runs from Monday to Friday September 11 to 15. Tickets cost £12 (concessions £10) with a special rate of £10 for the opening night.

They are available from The Civic box office, Martins Way, open weekdays 10am until 2pm and Saturdays 11am until 1pm. Call 01299 823339.

Tickets can also be booked online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/limelight (booking fee applies) or direct via Facebook at limelight@limelightkidderminster