Footloose and moving on

As the dance crazy show Footloose announces it is to leave its present home at the Novello on the 11th November 2006,  Michael Howe is also confirmed to take over the role of the Rev Shaw Moore from David Essex on 11 September 2006 and will play the part for the remainder of its current run.

This may not be the end of the musical’s presence in the West End however, as the producers are currently searching for another venue to host the show.

Meanwhile Seventies Superstar David Essex, who has played the Rev Shaw Moore for the past three months, is due to leave the show on the 9th September at the end of his limited season.

Michael Howe, who will succeed him has had a long career in film, television and on stage. His London stage credits to date include A Chorus Line, Grease, Camelot, 42nd Street, Chess, High Society and The Rat Pack.

He is also quite a regular face on television where he has most recently been seen in New Tricks and Hollyoaks, and guests in the forthcoming series of Life Begins.

The Musical Footlose tells the story of city boy Ren played by Derek Hough, who moves to the backwater town of Bomont with his mother. Where he finds out that due to a previous accident, his favourite pastime, dancing, has been banned in Bomont. Ren decides to make it his mission to convince the towns Reverend Shaw Moore, to change his mind.

Michael Howe will star alongside Cheryl Baker of Bucks Fizz fame, who will play the Reverands' wife Vi.