Anything Goes

Anything Goes
Performed b: Clevedon Light Opera Club
Venue: Princes Hall Clevedon
Directed by: Lynda Prescott
Choreographed by: Toria Ford
Assisted by: Jules Ashton
Musical Director: Sue Parker
Date: 13th March 2025
Noda Rep: Mike Purnell

Let me just start by saying this show should be given out on free prescriptions. If
ever a show could lift your spirits this is definitely one of the them. Some may say
that it’s now a little old and dated, but it just goes to prove it’s what you do with
these shows to slightly improve, maybe speed it up a little, modernise a couple of
jokes but most of all if the cast believe in this fabulous show they will deliver it with
panache and this was just what happened.
As usual the opening set looked striking with the 20’s looking cocktail bar and I
loved the way you filled the sides of the stage out too with the large suitcase and
the bench on the opposite side to balance. Very effective especially with the
excellent lighting, it created just the right atmosphere. When the set opened up
onto the ship which was seamlessly done I was very impressed to see the levels
you created and to see the Orchestra at the top. This was the tops!
As usual Clevedon, your sets do not disappoint, although mostly one set the scene
changes you had were managed extremely well. The bedrooms felt very well
choreographed and the jail scene towards the end was very well managed.
Congratulations to Craig and John and your excellent team, you kept the show
flowing along!
Every song in this show is a winner, you can’t beat a Cole Porter tune, but he does
write for singers. The range of these songs has changed over the years, firstly
written with Ethel Merman in mind so the whole score was written in her lower key
(thank goodness when I got the chance to play Billy many a year ago we had that
key,) but since being re produced for Lupone, Paige, Foster the key has gone up
for most characters and I must say the singing was very impressive. Renos
versatility with “I Get a Kick” to the ballsy tones of “Anything Goes” and Blow
Gabriel” I’m sure you felt like you needed to be an athlete to get through it, I did
notice some heavy breathing from most characters coming through the mics
straight after songs which made me smile, but hey, you were working hard.
I must give special mention to the company/ensemble of this show. There was a
lot of characterisation and interaction between the passengers which I must say
made the pictures and shaping of the scenes extremely interesting to watch. I
loved how everyone was just so focused. Good work and obviously very well
drilled.

I thought the costumes on the whole were excellent especially for the ladies. These
were outstanding and so colourful. Reno’s were just gorgeous and fitted just right
and were a feast for the eyes.
I did however feel a bit more detail could have been spent on the men. Sorry to
use Billy as an example but his red jacket really didn’t fit that well and a proper pair
of dress trousers would have been nice on the leading man. A good pair of
brogues are always worth having in the wardrobe as Billy’s were too modern a
shoe. I must say though this did not take away from the fine performance he gave
but would have been the icing on the cake. The uniforms worked well and looked
smart.
Now that’s out of the way I must say what came across beautifully in this show
was the team work. It really felt a tight ship. It really came across as a group effort
ably led by the director. This was a real delight to watch and listen too and the
colours were a real delight.
Musical Director
You never disappoint whether it’s just you on the piano or in this instance an eight
piece orchestra. Very, very tight together and so enjoyable to listen to. Never were
the singers drowned out (good work from the sound team) and some very well
drilled harmonies shining through, especially the opening of act two.
Great to see you on view but at no time detracted from the performances.
Excellent work.
Props/ backstage
I felt this all worked perfectly well. Just goes to show what great teamwork was
going on back there.

Billy Crocker
I really do enjoy the work of this actor. It was nice to see the more comedic side to
you and I must say your timing was mostly spot on. Comedy is very difficult and a
lot of times depends on others around you to let your joke land before they come
in with their next line. This is something that’s garnered with experience but a big
well done to you. You sung up a storm as usual and I must say “All Through The
Night” was just beautiful. The duets came over extremely well too, even with all the
choreography thrown at you. You really are a joy to watch and a very generous
actor. Well done.

Reno Sweeney
What a terrific part for you. I must be honest and say I felt this was your best to
date. Beautifully costumed which I’m sure helped your characterisation. If you feel
a million dollars you are going to sell it and you did. Beautiful diction in dialogue
and song and interacted with everyone really naturally. The comedy really shone
through also, some great timing going on. The castanets were hilarious. A real
leading lady. Great work.

Lord Evelyn Oakleigh
It’s always great seeing you pop up here, there and everywhere. I always know it’s
going to be fun when you’re involved in comedy. This was no exception. One of
the highlights of the show was “The Gypsy In Me” you and Reno worked so well
together. Good comic timing and facial expressions. A joy.

Hope Harcourt
Great to see a Hope that’s actually a bit ballsy and not drippy. Quite often this part
disappears into the background but not you. You looked stunning from beginning
to end and really sang up a storm. Loved the belt in “Goodbye Little Dream” it
really made something of the song. Very enjoyable.

Errma
Nice gutsy little part to get your teeth into. What a flirt you were with those sailor
boys! You worked very well with Moonface and Billy and “Buddie Beware” was
quite the show stopper. I did smile at the “Zip me up” line when you had no zip
maybe a little change of line could have been used? But great cameo which was
certainly bought to life. Good work.

Moonface Martin
This was a part with so much fun and plenty of energy was needed. I felt you drew
on all your reserves. Some quite older gags in the script but you gave it plenty of
tongue in cheek fun and pulled it off. I actually really enjoyed “Bluebird” you kept it
light and fun. “Friendship” took a little dip somewhere in the middle, I think a
couple of words went astray but fair play both you and Reno got it back on course.
Some great team work with you and Erma and Billy. Well done.

Evangeline Harcourt
You absolutely bought this character to life. You looked wonderful throughout and
had superb comic timing. You had a bit of Jennifer Coolidge going on and I loved
it. I hope to see you in more lead roles in the future. Great work.

Elisha Whitney
This is another of those characters that can just disappear into the background but
you took every opportunity not to let that happen and kept the energy and pace
going. Great fun

Angels
How nice to see more than the usual four. You all added your own characters and
personality to your performances but at the same time remained a team and
backed Reno beautifully.

Choreographer
What great material to work with. This must have been a joy to work on. I loved
how you moved the chorus from position to position and kept it interesting. Some
nice shaping due to the different levels of the set of which you took great
advantage of. I particularly liked “You’re The Top” and “Gypsy In Me” both very
funny and although duets you still seemed to cover the stage.i must commend
your outstanding choreography in “Anything Goes” this was sheer magical
entertainment. The audience absolutely loved it. Stunning.
Congratulations to you and your assistant on a very well drilled show. Great work.

Director
Well what a tight ship you ran. You created a great pace which rarely faltered and
kept the energy high. Good eye for details which I like and obviously worked very
closely with the choreographer as I felt dialogue and song just seamlessly jelled
together. You had some nice little characters coming through amongst the
ensemble which just keeps everything interesting and created some great comedy
amongst the leads. You gave us a very entertaining evening which although a
golden oldie felt really quite fresh. Looking forward to the next one.
It’s always a joy to come to Clevedon to see CLOC. Thanks for the lovely welcome
Lynda. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Best wishes
Mike x

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