From the big city to the backwoods: that’s where teenager Ren McCormack goes when he moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont. Ruling from his pulpit is the Rev Moore, who preaches that dancing is the work of the devil, and pornographic to boot. So he’s banned it. Ren is out to get the ban lifted.

Thus runs the storyline of Footloose, which writer Dean Pitchford based on real-life events in 1979 in Elmore City, Oklahoma. With music by Tom Snow, Footloose was first a film then a stage musical, and while it’s never had the high profile of, say, Grease, the show is now on its fifth UK tour. A remake of the film is due in cinemas later this year.

So Footloose has staying power, and seeing the current touring production it’s not hard to see why. The big choreographed company numbers like Somebody’s Eyes, I’m Free, Let’s Hear It for the Boy, and the title number (which comes right at the end) pulsate off the stage. Choreography is by Karen Bruce, and the dancing is immaculately executed. Styles are inventively woven together — not for nothing is the show called “The Dance Musical”. Although this is primarily an in-yer-face company show, and individual characterisation is on the cardboard side, nonetheless there are some strong solo performances. Max Milner cuts a wholesome dash as Ren, while his principal adversary in reforming the no-dance law, the Rev Moore, receives a convincing performance from Steven Pinder — here is a decent man underneath his bigotry. Excellent, too, are Karen Ascoe as Moore’s wife, and Lorna Want as his independent-minded daughter, while there’s a heart-warming cameo from Giovanni Spano as Ren’s none-too-bright cowboy friend Willard. Just two words sum up this production: thoroughly invigorating.

Until Saturday. Box office Tel: 0844 871 7652 (ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes).