Anything Goes

As the S.S American sets sail once again after 20 years for this company, the new, wonderfully fresh set created the backdrop to slick scenes and kinetic atmosphere that, without doubt, launches another memorable production from this exceptional young company.  The local press headline, It’s Delicious, it’s Delightful, it’s De-lovely is right on the button.  This comical shipboard romp, as it is described in the programme, is just that, giving each and every character their opportunity to shine. It features a score of Cole Porter’s most popular and well known songs and the superb performances are certainly drawing the local audiences to sell out houses. 

Huge credit to producer and MD who has reawakened this version of Anything Goes for his second time and put together a fabulous orchestra to compliment throughout. 

The unique and stylised choreography was perfectly on point and displayed a remarkable professionalism from all who donned their dancing shoes. Leading dancers in the form of Reno’s Angels were Kara Roberts, Rosie Fletcher, Emily Balderston and Catriona Moore, who were particularly poised and stunning throughout. 

The overall  attention to detail, excellent sets, gorgeous costumes, effective lighting and the fabulous harmonic choral work deserves special mention.  

In a predominantly youthful cast, Reno certainly proved to have what it takes, in taking this demanding vocal and dancing role, and truly making it her own. The title song ‘Anything Goes’ had the ‘wow!’ factor with excellent singing, tapping, style and pizzaz, while ‘Blow, Gabriel Blow’ was equally sensational, featuring the sexy red angels assisting Reno and the chorus. Both were Reno’s show-stopping numbers and particular highlights, while her fun duets, ‘You’re the Top’ with Billy and ‘Friendship’ with Moonface deserved equal credit.

The busy role of Billy Crocker, alias Public Enemy No 1, awarded Jack McAuley top marks for stamina, humour and charisma.  His relaxed ability to engage with all the shenanigans of the SS America and her passengers made him perfect for the role. His vocal and dancing prowess also shone throughout. ‘De-lovely’, with Hope, was a superb, harmonic number which was also beautifully choreographed. ‘All Through The Night’ also deserves a special mention.

Hope was beautifully characterised by Catriona Young, whose poised and pretty image carried her  delightfully through the show. She epitomised the loyal daughter, soon to be married to an English Lord, though not her true love. She played her role with natural ease which was highlighted by her beautiful, emotional rendition of ‘Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye’. Her harmonious partnership with Billy worked perfectly.

Evelyn Oakleigh’s engaging performance by a youthful James Bennett raised many a giggle, with his haughty accent and mannerisms winning worthy applause, particularly in his hilarious solo, ‘Gypsy in Me’. His participation in the bedroom antics with Reno and Moonface were a theatrical classic, having the audience in stitches. Well done, young man.

The overbearing mother of Hope, Evangeline Harcourt, was in the very capable hands of stalwart Lorraine Kemp. She never ceases to come up trumps in whatever role she is given and this was no exception. The fact that this role didn’t give her the opportunity to highlight her solo vocal ability didn’t deter her from giving a brilliantly characterised performance.

It was a revelation to see such a young man play the drunken, wealthy tycoon, Elisha Whitney, but Simon Thomson certainly put his heart and soul into his OTT portrayal with a larger than life performance of ‘The Crew Song’. From opening to finale he was fully engaged, albeit most of the time haplessly looking for his stolen spectacles. 

Public Enemy No13, Moonface Martin, and his Moll, Erma were the perfect partnership played by Daniel Wilson and Jess Thomson. With well fashioned NY accents they both added to the mayhem which ensued during the plot and adding their own creative comedic interpretation to their roles with great aplomb. Moonface, in the atmospheric jail scene gave a gifted performance of ‘Be Like a Bluebird’ while Erma flirtatiously sung and danced her way to top marks in a superbly choreographed ‘Buddy Beware’. The dance lifts and harmonic vocals from the sailors made this another truly superb number. 

In grand finale style the company had their audience enraptured to the toe tapping and hand clapping bows. With a ‘Friendship’, Blow, Gabriel Blow’ and ‘Anything Goes’  reprise, it’s no wonder they also received a worthy standing ovation. A totally memorable voyage. Thank You Passengers! 

 

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