Anything Goes

When this show opened on Broadway in the mid-1930s, it was set understandably in the 1930s and since then various changes in music and script have taken place as well as being more  recently updated and revised for more modern-day audiences. In this version directed by Andy Brown, full advantage was taken of the relatively deep stage with the 12-piece orchestra placed at the rear whilst  the cast pleasingly took advantage of the front apron. Anything Goes written by Cole Porter is a musical set aboard the ocean liner S.S. American, where nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England. Her pal Billy Crocker has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt.

There are many musicals when success can to a certain extent rely on a talented leading lady, and Anything Goes is no less so demanding in that respect.  From her first word and musical note there were no concerns there as a talented Joanna Hughes as Reno Sweeney held the stage with both dialogue and song, from ‘I Get a Kick out of You’, ‘You’re the Top’, ‘Friendship’ and of course ‘Anything Goes’ , in Act 1 alone.

As often is the case though, these numbers have to be matched by competent ‘partners’ and in that respect, there was no shortage; Francis Blincoe as Billy Crocker sang well and could move, and had a great and easy stage presence, whilst Keith Thompson as Moonface Martin (disguised as a priest)  gave it all the right treatment with some funny asides along the way.

During a lengthy overture we learn that Elisha Whitney played by Carl Paskin enjoys a tipple or three prior to his trip to London on the SS American and describes his unscrupulous need to dispose of shares in a failing asset, with appealing flamboyance, intending Billy to make that transaction.

Whilst Reno cares for Billy, he has his eye on debutante Hope Harcourt played with great ease by Poppy Savage plus a ‘de-loverly’ voice. Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh played well with old fashioned naivety by Matthew Jeffrey. Hope’s mother Evangeline, understandable keen and somewhat pushy for Hope to marry as soon as possible, is well played by Melanie Brown.

Billy remains onboard disguised as ‘Public Enemy Number One’ to avoid detection by Elisha, but which also fulfils the passengers need of the Ship’s Captain, - well played by Chris Broad,-  to share their journey with some famous albeit notorious celebrities. Moonface Martin is the other notable celebrity and he is joined by Erma, the girlfriend of ‘Number One’ also well played by Hayley Gass. Along with the Ship’s Captain, Reece Jones provided great support as the Purser and other notable performances were provided by Emily Jeffrey (Spit), Jake Jones (Dippy), James Cowlishaw (Fred) Jeff Smith (Henry T Dobson) and not to forget Sid the dog as Cheeky!

Throughout, the ensemble provided lively support and for me the hit number of all was ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’ led by Reno and her ‘Showgirls’ (Lois Press, Julia Jones, Laura Ann and Erin Maiden) who also provided a slick tap number at the conclusion of Act 1. Prior to ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’, Lord Evelyn gave an amusing confession, topped  later by a cape swirling ‘The Gypsy in Me’, which came across well with an appreciative audience. Of course, in true musical style all the right partners eventually marry and the whole ship celebrates.

The set was bright and well-lit and I was pleased that at no time did the splendid orchestra over- power the performers. Good looking costumes and effective sound complimented the action. The SS American was full of First-Class passengers and back stage crew, which made for a first- class evening’s entertainment, well received by an enthusiastic audience.

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