Anything Goes

As we arrived at the theatre we were greeted by an open stage , with a bar and counter slightly off centre , surrounded by black back cloths with the show opening with an intoxicated Elisha Whitney propping up the bar and chatting to the bartender followed by dishing out orders to his employee Billy Crocker. This iconic musical is filled with an array of foot tapping numbers by the famous Cole Porter along with an hilarious story line full of marvellous comedy , the first taste of this when Whitney asked for a nightcap double and was given two bottles . However we were soon treated to the excellent stage set out as the  SS America , complete with portholes , built on two levels and steps down either side .

My compliments go to the whole production team brilliantly directed by Gavin Ward along with  excellent spacing and choreography by Andrea Powell and her assistants , a real credit with so many aspects to the production from solos to duets ,group numbers to full ensemble , dancing to tap dances , along with the many scenes all excellently acted out . 

Compliments must of course go to Cara Chester for her set design and to the many helpers creating this beautiful and workable stage . 

This musical is mostly performed aboard the SS America, where the lovestruck Crocker  stows away hoping to win the heart of Hope who is already engaged to the aristocrat Lord Oakley . There are many twists and turns before  the finale when relations work out but not quite as at first expected . .

The lead lady Reno Sweeney played by Ellie Ashmore has to offer so many skills and Ellie performed them with ease , the highest level of singing with my personal favourites  being  You're The Top a duet with Billy , Friendship another duet this time with Moon and Blow, Gabriel, Blow along with the company , your poise and elegance was a joy to watch . Hope Harcourt played by Beth Black , well done to you , again with excellent acting and singing with my standouts being It's  De-Lovely with Billy , All Through the Night again with Billy and of course your solo with Goodbye,Little Dream, Goodbye. Janet Black playing Evangeline , but will she win the multi-millionaire or not ? once again a lovely performance showing devilment and sadness all mixed up , the loss of your dear dog , the reactions to the bearded Billy and much more . Louise Humpage playing the part of Erma , the quiet unassuming aid to Moon face ,or maybe not so quiet !!! a great larger than life portrayal of the character , great fun . Billy Crocker played by Andy Hibbert , you must have had so much fun rehearsing and now performing such a role , great acting , your many disguises , tender moments with Hope and then Reno , along with beautifully delivered songs including Easy to Love and the duet with Hope , All Through the Night . Additionally your many scenes with Moon face including the jail scene and many more . 

The part of Elisha Whitney played by Paul Black , from attempting to sit on a stool after one too many  , to losing your glasses , walking round with binoculars , your mis identifications along with The Crew Song , thinking about being so poor and ending up somewhat richer , a great character performed well . Moon Face martin performed by Tommy Jones , so many aspects to this part , excellent scenes , the shooting competition , all the twists and turns between clergy and baddy , the jail scene and the iconic Be Like The Bluebird ,sung excellently and  performed with such timing bringing out every ounce of comedy , along with the interactions from Billy , a joy to watch ., Lord Evelyn Oakley , played by Mark Cunningham , what a great character part along with the excellently performed solo of The Gypsy in Me , the sword swishing Lord , the true stiff upper lip British gentleman doing his best to learn American comments with some hilarious outcomes . There were so many well performed cameos , Luke and John, played by Rachel and Darcy  , the ship's captain David Finger , and though not mentioned by name well done to you all . The dancing was excellent and the tap was a joy . The movement and acting throughout was a pleasure to watch .

My report contains many compliments because I felt moved by the whole production , excellently complimented by subtle lighting , the orchestra was a treat to listen to , not once over powering those on stage . The costumes were totally convincing to the period , so again well done to the whole team for their vision and sourcing . 

Sadly I must reference the disgusting action by a group of audience members in the top right side seating , They clearly felt it appropriate to speak loudly almost throughout disturbing those around them and being totally disrespectful to the performance you had all worked so hard to achieve ..I did tell them how disgusted I was .  

Once again thank you for inviting us and trust your audience numbers swell and come to see this excellent production , 

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