Anything Goes

Anything Goes, is the classic musical set on the luxurious SS American.  Letchworth Arcadians are a society where a classic musical is in safe hands.

David Walker likes to keep a show flowing with very few blackouts or set changes and I appreciate that, it was good to see the crew in costume as well, it is a small thing, but it does matter to the overall impression of the show.

The music was expertly handled by Hannah Long, I did feel for some of the performers as at times they needed their microphones slightly higher so they could be heard over the band.  Balance of sound is one of the hardest things to achieve, I do appreciate this.

It was very clear that Frances Aylin had tried hard to challenge the member of the company with the choreography, for what is a very challenging show for choreographers and dancers and at times it worked well, for example in ‘Blow Gabriel Blow’. The tap dancing in Anything Goes would challenge any dancer but the whole company worked hard to present this number with very few of them having ever tap danced before.

Lucy Walker played the role of Reno Sweeney, she has a lovely voice, and her voice shone, especially during her solo numbers where she seemed to feel more comfortable.

Sophie Walker played the part of Hope Harcourt.  Sophie was exceptional, note perfect and every inch the lady as Hope. She clearly showed how much she wanted Billy in her facial expressions.

Elliot Bunker played the leading man Billy Crocker, Elliot has such a good stage presence, and his voice was fantastic.  Elliot and Ben Austin who played Moonface Martin had a good partnership as well.  Ben sang ‘Be like the Bluebird’ beautifully, and he created a good character.  I also feel that having stepped into this role at the later stages, Ben should be congratulated.

Stuart Piddington-Wall was outstanding as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, this part lends itself to being over top and at times unrealistic, and Stuart walked the line incredibly and ‘The Gypsy in me’ was a standout moment in the show.   Erma played by Rachel Bloomfield is another part which lends itself to being slightly over the top and comical and as good as ‘Buddie Beware’ was, I felt that she missed some comical moments that needed her to be slightly more melodramatic.

Sera Dinmore played Evangeline Harcourt, again another part that allows an actress to make the most of comical moments and she certainly did this. 

I found it interesting watching James Prior and Keiran Raine play Spit and Dippy, due to the script re writes this is the first time I have seen these two characters, I think I prefer this version it makes more sense, and they did a good job with the little they had to do.

I know the set was hired but it was used very well.  Lighting was good I really liked the moon at the back changing signifying a change in day and time.

Letchworth Arcadians unlike other societies make their own costumes and as always they looked lovely and were in keeping with the time.

I had a lovely evening and as always, I was well looked after, I enjoy coming to watch and review Letchworth Arcadians shows.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.