Verdict: Three stars

MOST musical theatre stars are a triple threat – but it seems the cast of Footloose have a little bit extra.

The musical version of the popular 80s movie starring Kevin Bacon held its Glasgow  premiere in the King’s Theatre last night – and the cast unusually brought the music.

In a concept rarely seen, most of the actors played the instruments live on stage for the big numbers which included Let’s Hear it for the Boy, Almost Paradise and the iconic Footloose.

It was refreshing to experience a shake-up of the musical theatre format – and it certainly had the audience enthralled.

The star of the show Luke Baker captured the essence of Ren McCormack, the role immortalised on screen by Kevin Bacon.

His voice, swag and dance moves made you feel part of the production which tells the tale of city boy Ren, who has to move to a rural backwater in America where dancing is banned.

The story follows Ren as he tries to get the town dancing again and over the tragedy of a car crash which killed four teenagers.

He was backed by an immensely talented cast which included Maureen Nolan.

And as most theatre fans knows, a Nolan voice on stage is always a highlight at the King’s.

Former boyband star Lee Brennan, who shot to fame in 911, boosted the show with many comical moments as Willard.

He gave it his all with a camped up version of the character and he had the audience in stitches.

A real highlight was the Bonnie Tyler classic Holding out for a Hero which showcased the cast’s voices perfectly.

The production was slick, fun, cheesy and uplifting – everything you want from an 80s classic.

The cast had the audience dancing in the aisles and made you feel like you were part of their world.

The actor-musician element boosted the show which could have easily just relied on the big numbers to showcase the story but instead gave a little bit more.