Footloose: The Musical

Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Monday, July 25, to Saturday, July 30, 7.45pm, 2.30pm Thurs and Sat, tickets from £15, 08448 717650

THE cult movie about a rural town where dancing is banned is coming to the Theatre Royal Brighton stage next year, with Pop Idol favourite Gareth Gates in the lead role.

The original film, which starred Kevin Bacon, was released in 1984 and featured the likes of Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero, Deneice Williams’s Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the earworm title track by Kenny Loggins on its best-selling soundtrack.

The Broadway musical opened in 1998, transferring to London’s West End in 2006. It featured many of the original songs, plus new songs by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford.

“Footloose is such a high energy show full of incredible dance and music,” says Gareth.

“This brand new tour is going to be a fresh and exciting new take on it.”

Tickets are on sale now.