Anything Goes

This was my first time watching The Tab Operatic Society and what better way to showcase their talent, by performing the classic Anything Goes at Stourbridge Town Hall.

Firstly, thank you ever so much for the invitation, your warm welcome and kind hospitality.

This production was directed comfortably by Andy Poulton with some impressive choreography by Helen Kendrick. Musical Director Nick Jeavons led a stunning orchestra and there were some wonderfully slick stage management by Lisa Bird with great teamwork from an expert crew. Lighting Director Richard Chamberlain and Sound by Ian Davies also helped produce a show with moments of pure quality.

Anything Goes is set in 1933, aboard the ocean liner S.S American which is en-route from New York to England. Amongst the passengers, an Evangelist turned Nightclub singer called Reno Sweeney (Fleur Petford) alongside her chorus girls (The Angels) who are setting off to England in search for more opportunities. 

Reno’s friend, Billy Crocker (Dan Smith), a stowaway who was only planning to drop off his boss’s passport; a heavy drinker and Wall Street executive called Elisha J Whitney (Wayne Butler) bumps into his long-lost love Hope Harcourt (Jamie-Leigh Butler). Billy decides he is going to win back the love of his life. Hope is also travelling with her mother, Mrs Wadsworth T Harcourt (Diane Bate) and a wealthy English gentleman called Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Stephen Homer) and they are engaged to be married.

What follows is a recipe of mistaken identities, disguises and confessions which finally end with true love conquering all (for more than one couple). Throw into a mix, Public Enemy Number 13, a gangster called Moonface Martin (J Paul Murdock) disguised as a preacher, his girlfriend Bonnie (Lizzie Buckingham) who had a wonderful presence every time she took to the stage and a further cast of wonderful parts; including a Bishop (Andy Dobson) who was mistakenly identified as Moonface and was subsequently arrested, the Captain of the ship (Brian Yardley) who knew exactly what to say at funerals, The Purser (Harvey Dalloway) who remained a very vigilant member of the crew and The Steward (Felicity Davies) who remained happy to serve and please throughout.

Fleur Petford was stunning as Reno Sweeney. She held a very sassy, confident, attentive and consistent performance with a natural flare for 1930’s performance. Her voice was perfect for the role and her smile was infectious. The Angels, Charity (Louise Griffin), Purity (Leanne Ditchfield), Virtue (Bethan Clarke) and Chastity (Gemma Gray) all had their individual moments and stormed through some of the bigger high energy numbers. They appeared to be working very hard together. A special mention must go to Bethan Clarke who reserved some subtle individuality to her character throughout her scenes which aided her overall presence on stage.

Dan Smith played Billy Crocker with a cheeky side and a care free attitude (until he was briefly thrown into the brig)! It was a playful performance with a wonderful singing voice and I could tell he was having a lot of fun. Billy’s bond with Moonface Martin worked nicely and his relationship with Hope was believable.

Jamie-Leigh Butler who played Hope Harcourt gave the impression she enjoyed the cheekiness of Billy’s attempts to trick and take risks with the aim to impress, it suggested that she had little regard for Evelyn’s feelings but rather the integrity of Billy. Evelyn also seemed happy (or oblivious) enough and was wonderfully portrayed as not having a jealous bone in his body, especially when it was discovered that Billy and Hope spent the evening under the romantic moonlight whilst he was being sea-sick. Stephen Homer excellently played Evelyn and he was a joy to watch every time he came onto the stage. His duet with Reno, "Let’s Misbehave” was very enjoyable and a personal highlight.

Finally, J Paul Murdock who played Moonface Martin had some lovely comedy timing. The character was performed with the right amount of care so as not to overdo it. His performance of “Be like a Bluebird” confidently showed his experience and skill as a performer. Other times, I observed Paul’s natural ability to compliment his peers on stage which brought out some nice touches. These were some of the best moments when the cast relaxed, bringing to the stage an interesting blend of humour, timing, pace and pure fun with big smiles.

Thank you once again for your invitation. I hope the rest of the run went well and I hope you all enjoyed it!

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