Anything Goes

Cole Porter’s wonderful music and lyrics and P G Woodhouse and Guy Bolton’s comical characters were brought to life in this lively production. Nicola Lilley was outstanding as the brash evangelist Reno Sweeney with a lovely sense of comic timing and belter of a voice. Mike Brown, in his first major principal role, was convincing as the love-sick Billy Crocker and had good rapport with both of his “love “interests - Reno and Hope Harcourt. Claire Smith played the debutante Hope Harcourt, torn between marrying for love or security, with just the right amount of demureness and steely determination. I particularly enjoyed her rendition of the gentle “Goodbye, Little Dream Goodbye” in the second act. Paul Woods as Moonface Martin, the hapless gangster, had the audience in gales of laughter at his comic expressions, especially in his rendition of “Be Like The Bluebird”, and his disguising antics. In this he was ably assisted by Leigh McLaggan as sailor mad Erma - her rendition of “Buddie, Beware” with the sailors was a fine example of flirtation and put-down. However, stealing every scene he was in with wonderful comic delivery and over-the-top mannerisms, was Sandy Duncan as the dotty aristocrat Lord Evelyn Oakleigh – his performance of “The Gypsy In Me” was a delight to behold! Strong performances too were given by Davina Smith as Evangeline Harcourt (Hope’s mother) and Calum McKenzie as Elisha Whitney her dipsomaniac millionaire suitor (and Billy’s boss). Strong support was given by Ian Duncan as the Ship’s Captain and Lynne Ward as the Ship’s Purser. The full power of the company’s singing, and movement, prowess was shown in the fast moving Act1 finale “Anything Goes” and in the rousing “Blow Gabriel, Blow” in Act 2. The multi-level set, designed and built by Sandy and Jan Duncan, allowed for an easy flow between the scenes. Congratulation to all for a most enjoyable show and, as I said after the show, I’m sure Cole Porter would have been proud of you.

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