Anything Goes

What can I say? This musical performance was definitely Delightful, Delicious and De-Lovely. It was packed full of music, dance, laughs, and the age-old tale of Boy Meets Girl. The newly named Berwick Musical and Theatre Society (previously Berwick Operatic Society) are not newcomers to this show having previously performed it in 1992 and 2008. The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner, SS American, bound from New York to London.

Billy Crocker played by Matty Forster is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt (Georgia Young), who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, played by Cameron Robertson. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney (Lynn Ireland) and Public Enemy Number 13, "Moonface" Martin (Bobby Martin), aid Billy in his quest to win Hope.

The stage set at The Maltings in Berwick was simple but left us in no doubt we were setting sail and the set being uncomplicated allowed the cast to fill the stage with musical ensembles to delight the audience. The costumes were indeed High Society on the seas. Well done to the wardrobe people. It is clear that the “Below Decks” crew are accomplished at “steering” this ship and its passengers through an excellent performance. A special mention must go to the technical crew for brilliant stage lighting and sound.

The leading lady Lynn Ireland as Reno commanded the stage from the beginning of the show. Her narrative and acting skills were faultless, and her singing voice conveyed emotion that was captivating. I liked the accent too. Your performance of “I get a Kick Out of You” and the duet “You’re the Top” with Billy Crocker demonstrated a wide and flexible range as did your number with the company of “Anything Goes”. Very well-done Lynn you were superb on stage.

The leading man Matty Forster as Billy must also be congratulated for his commanding presence on stage. You too have a voice that is rich and expressive in tone. You were able to convey through song a smooth, harmonious blend of melody and nuance. I particularly enjoyed your duets of “Easy to Love”, “It’s De Lovely” and “All Through the Night” with Georgia Young.

Special mention must also go to Georgia Young in the role of Hope. Georgia you were made for musicals and as previously mentioned your duets were beautifully sung. I also must mention your stage mother Evangeline Harcourt (Dilys Guthrie) who played her role as an anxious mother ensuring her daughter married the right man delightfully and who also walked away with a man on her arm.

There were musical numbers in the show that were so funny. Cameron Robertson in his role of Lord Evelyn Oakleigh thrilled us with his performance of “The Gypsy in Me”. Didn’t he come alive and created through his breathing and movement on stage an atmosphere of personal restlessness and the desire to be free. Well done.

The other performance not to be overlooked was Moonface Martin’s (Bobby Hanlon’s) solo “Be Like the Bluebird”. Again, your movement on stage was perfect and you have a voice that endears the audience to you. Congratulations on making this number so entertaining.

The whole cast came together to give us a show we will remember. Your dancing and movement on stage transported us into a performance that exceeded our expectations of amateur theatre. The opening number in the second act of “Blow Gabriel Blow” with Reno was a shining example of stage capability. Congratulations to your directors and choreographers, who clearly worked hard. You were rewarded with an audience full of praise. I personally loved the tap dancing too.

The live music provided by the small orchestra under direction by Mike Hardy are to be personally applauded. The musical accompaniment was amazing. 

I am keenly aware that there is an element of uncertainty about “what next” as The Maltings will close for refurbishment but you have a strong society and so much talent. I am confident the “shows will go on.” Thank you for inviting me to the show. I had a fabulous afternoon, and I appreciated such a warm welcome.

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