Anything Goes

As I entered the Lichfield Garrick complex, I immediately thought I had signed up for a cruise aboard the SS American, with sailors ‘swabbing the decks’ and welcoming passengers. Lichfield Operatic know how to set the scene.

"Anything Goes" tells the story of Billy Crocker, a young man who stows away on the SS American to follow his love, Hope Harcourt, to London. Hope is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, and Billy, with the help of his friend Reno Sweeney and a disguised gangster, Moonface Martin, tries to win her over.

The show opens in Cole’s Bar in New York, with Eli Whitney, played by David Madeley, imbibing in his favourite tipple. Here, we also get introduced to our two leading characters, Billy Crocker played by Adam Gregory, and Reno Sweeney played by Charlotte Jervis. From this moment we were treated to two very capable and confident performances, with such clarity in diction and unfaltering vocal displays, not to mention dancing ability. They both commanded the stage and delivered excellent portrayals of their characters. I had forgotten what a funny libretto this show had but was soon reminded of it in the shape of Moonface Martin, Public Enemy Number 13, played by Ben Green. Ben had a great delivery and timing along with expressive facial expressions! He soon became an audience favourite. I certainly saw a different side to Connor Brooks, playing Lord Evelyn Oakley. His performance stood out as one of the highlights of the show, especially the song and dance routine of ‘The Gypsy in Me’ with Reno. These characters were equally well supported by Natalie Whittlesey as Evangeline Harcourt, Ellie Johnstone as Hope Harcourt and Shannon Robinson as the gangster’s moll, Erma Latour.

The named characters were backed by an exceptionally well-drilled ensemble of passengers and sailors, there was not a single person who stood out for not being ‘quite in time!’  I absolutely loved the finale of Act 1, with the company performing the title song ‘Anything Goes’, WOW, what a routine. At this point, I must mention the choreography of Zoe Heathcote and Jody Edmunds. It was so impressive that it appeared that everyone was doing the same movements but there were subtle adaptations to suit all ability of dancers on stage, the choreography was stunning.

The set for this production is so iconic, with the decking of the ship rising above the cabins (and later The Brig}, and the company used it very well, there was always something happening by someone, somewhere on stage. The scene changes were well negotiated by the sailors. Costumes were equally impressive and represented the times, these were enhanced by a subtle yet effective lighting plot.

As always, the musical numbers were accompanied by a very proficient orchestra, directed by David Easto, the balance was just right with nothing ever being really prominent.

Once again, a huge congratulations to the production team. Patrick Jervis has vision and an eye for detail when it comes to direction and the company certainly responded to his instruction. This was another excellent performance by Lichfield Operatic Society and I look forward to the next one.

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