Anything Goes

This ever popular show has great Cole Porter songs and a range of parts for all would be leading actors in a society. It borders on farce as the story of love tangles, gangsters and class, aboard a cruise liner the SS America unfolds. WLOG had a really strong cast in depth with the ubiquitous Ian Cook in the role of Billy Crocker offering a strong lead in romance, comedy and great voice as an 'accidental stowaway'. He is keen to develop his interest in the upper class socialite Hope Harcourt (Ruth Alder) played with a nice line in airs and graces but with a soft spot for Billy. But, she is engaged to upper class toff Lord Evelyn Oakley (Bob Sharman) whose nack of confusing some well-known American slang with English words was a joy throughout. Was his secret dalliance in the Far East going to be his undoing? or would he really enjoy a happier life with the beautiful, sexy showgirl Reno Sweeney (Debbie Lambert), Debbie clearly relished this role and lead a rousing chorus rendition of 'Blow Gabriel Blow' in Act Two. This was enhanced by the talents of Reno's angels - Purity, Chastity, Charity and Virtue (Helen Steed, Debbie Cushing, Louise Archer/Sara Burgoyne, and Sara Cook) who, combined with some creative choreography made the most of their alluring charms. Just to confuse the cause, the Liner is short of real celebraties, so somehow, small time crook, Moonface Martin (Jason Lambert) becomes billed as Public Enemy Number One. He creates a mistaken identity for Billy Crocker who also becomes a celebrity in his new persona but ends up in the Brigg with the bungaling and highly incompentent Moonface, whose comedy moments with a violin case were great. His 'goyle' Erma (Helen Roscoe) puts up with it ..... well she was long suffering and a good foile for his incompetence. Of course, the dodgy Rev'd Henry T Dobson (Mike Catlin) reveals Lord Evelyn's secret and turns out to actually be the 'real' Public Enemy Number One and his disciples, Luke (Jennifer Steed) and John (Alice Cushing) end up as 'card sharps' - nice cameo's from these two youngsters. The totally 'out of it' American tycoon, Elisha J Witney (David Ludlow) who just happens to be Billy's boss, created a character of his own, and with extra thick spectacles gave us some great comedy moments particularly when Erma pretends to seduce him! The ship's Captain (Peter Simmen) and Purser (Stephen Brown) show a stoic resolve to hold things together but had to admit defeat whilst Hope's mother, the truly upper class Evageline Harcourt (Anna Fisher) eventually realises that the fluctuating wealth of Elisha J Witney was too good to resist and all's well that end's well for them all!

Always difficult to sustain the pace and continuity as farcical storylines unfold; but without doubt the real fun and energy as protrayed by the cast transmitted itself to the audience who enjoyed the facets of this popular show, and of course we all love a happy ending and here we had at least three.

A simple static set provided good levels and room for business to be enacted. Costumes were excellent and complimented the characters. This was a joyous romp with great musical numbers enjoyed by all principals with in-depth support by chorus who took many of the cameo parts assisted by a sensitive and well balanced orchestra. We look forward to Sweet Charity in the Autumn.

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