Anything Goes

As we arrived into the theatre we were greeted by an open stage with a bar cleverly built out of suitcases slightly off centre with projection either side, to the rear and the set built to represent both the exterior and interior of the SS American complete with portholes and ships rails, built on two levels and steps down either side. My compliments first go to the set design team with their old and new use of technical style set providing a superb setting for what turned out to be a superb production.

The Overture started, the orchestra led by the Musical Director Anthony Martin, who judging by the singing in the show clearly did a fantastic job in rehearsals and throughout the production ensured that what was heard from the orchestra pit and what was heard on stage were well balanced. Well done in that respect to Chris Eddison on sound. I have been to numerous shows where you cannot hear what is being sung or said on stage due to the band, but not this production. Well done Anthony. The director for the show was once again Andy Lunn who did a great job. Alongside him was Megan Elsegood as choreographer again did a fantastic job with all on stage both principals and chorus performing the choreography with great precision.  

During the overture we were greeted by 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, played by Anthony Gilmartin asked for a nightcap double and was given two bottles.

The stage was set and off we journeyed on the SS American. Reno Sweeney was played by Anne Riley who was I must say fantastic in the role. You need strong leads in this show because they must take on so many of the numbers. We could not ask for better, alongside Anne Riley than Alex Wright as Billy Crocker and Niamh Murphy as Hope Harcourt. All made the complicated songs look so simple as their voices soared through the notes and they delivered the lyrics with precise diction. Alex has a lovely voice and oozed charm throughout the show. Anna as Reno stunned us with her vocal talent in every one of her songs, but particularly my favourite “Blow Gabriel Blow”.

Jonathan Tate is a natural comic and perfect for the character of Moonface Martin. Niamh Murphy (Hope) is also a great singer and her rendition of “Goodbye Little Dream Goodbye” was utterly sublime.  Aisha Wheatley as Erma really socked it to us with the powerful “Buddy Beware” and Darren Smith’s portrayal of an upper-class twit (Lord Evelyn Oakleigh) was hilarious with excellent portrayal of character had the audience in stitches! even when he was not the focus of the action. Other roles were played by Sara Huby (Evangeline Harcourt, Kevin Davies (Captain) and George Harvey (Purser).

As all shows do it ended with a happy ended both on and off stage as the audience left along with myself singing the show’s praises. The show was well directed and choreographed and maintained good pace throughout with all the principals making full use of every opportunity to bring out the comedy. A most ‘Delovely’ and highly entertaining evening congratulations to the Bradford Catholic Players on another resounding success. You’re the top!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.