Michael Howe replaces David Essex as the Rev Shaw Moore in Footloose from 11 Sep 2006

Michael Howe replaces David Essex as the Rev Shaw Moore in Footloose from 11 Sep 2006

Michael Howe will take over from David Essex as 'Rev Shaw Moore' in Footloose - The Musical from 11 Sep 2006. He will play the part to the end of its run at the Novello Theatre on 11 Nov 2006 . Although the producers are looking for a theatre to transfer the show, which has to vacate the theatre for the RSC Season.

Michael Howe's long career includes in theatre: A Chorus Line, Grease, Camelot, 42nd Street, Chess, High Society and The Rat Pack. His many TV appearances include: Bless This House in the 70s and Solo in the 80s, and most recently parts in Hollyoaks and Dockers.

Footloose - The Musical opened 12 April 2006, following previews from 8 April, to luke-warm notices from the popular press: FIONA MOUNTFORD for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "The story has two left feet." BRIAN LOGAN for THE GUARDIAN says, "It's all nonsense, of course, but life-affirming nonsense." DOMINIC CAVENDISH for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, " Karen Bruce's production is all revved-up but can't disguise the fact that it has no great journey to take us on...it now just looks hopelessly out of date." SAM MARLOWE for THE TIMES says, "Staging is frenetic but uninspired."

The show currently includes: Cheryl Baker (Vi Moore) , Johnny Shentall (Chuck Cranston) , David Essex (Reverend Shaw Moore, until 9 Sep, then Michael Howe), Derek Hough (Ren Mccormack) , Amy Pemberton ( Ariel Moore) .

Directed & choreographed by Karen Bruce, the show is based on Dean Pitchford and Kenny Loggins' 1980s movie , adapted for stage by Walter Bobbie.

Footloose - The Musical tells the story of city boy Ren who has to move to small town America where dancing is banned. All hell breaks out as Ren breaks loose and soon has the whole town on it's feet.

Packed full of dancing and classic 80's hits including Holding Out For a Hero, Let's Hear It For The Boy and of course the title track Footloose.