DANCING may be banned from Bomont, West Virginia but thankfully it isn’t here in Bournemouth.

Because everyone who attended the opening night of Footloose the Musical at the Pavilion last night were on their feet enjoying every jive-filled moment of the show.

Footloose is sure to bring a smile to your face whether you watched the 1984 Kevin Bacon film or not.

The four-time Tony award-winning production, first performed on Broadway in 1998 and in London in 2006, tells the story of city boy Ren who moves to a rural backwater in America where dancing is banned. But he can't resist it and all hell breaks loose.

It is an all-singing all-dancing rollercoaster of teenage angst which reminds you of what it was like to be a teenager struggling to forge your own path in the world while also remaining true to yourself and your family.

Every moment has its own superbly infectious song – including Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out For a Hero, Deniece Williams' Let's Hear It For The Boy and of course Kenny Loggins' unforgettable title track Footloose.

The entire cast impress especially as every single one of them plays an instrument on stage while singing, acting, dancing and roller skating all over the simple but fitting set.

Special mention must go to Luke Baker, who plays Ren, who delivers a performance full of charisma, energy and boyish charm certain to melt the heart of even the most stringent Kevin Bacon fan.

But if you were holding out for a hero in this production then it was Gareth Gates’ performance as Ren's hilarious and slow-witted best friend Willard.

The former Pop Idol star gave a scene-stealing performance which not only showcased his well-known vocal talents – but also showed off his less-known but equally impressive talents as a comedic performer as well as someone who can rock a pair of hotpants and cowboy boots while shirtless.

A moment which gained him one of the biggest cheers of the night.

Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore and Hanna Price, who plays Ren’s love interest and wild child Ariel, provide the soundtrack to some of the more sombre numbers which they both pull off impeccably.

Overall it's a feel-good show which had the audience clapping, singing and tapping their feet throughout.

And as the cast finished off with a melody of the show’s most famous numbers, including one final rendition of Footloose, the audience were on their feet giving them a much deserved standing ovation.

Footloose the Musical is at the Pavilion until Saturday, April 16.