Anything Goes

LTC had us all at sea from the very first entrance into the theatre. Everyone front of house sported an amazing array of sailor
costumes which prepared everyone to get their sea legs on for the show. Anything Goes is a great Cole Porter musical that lends
itself to a 30’s, Fred and Ginger, type approach to its direction, and co-directors Ami Roberts and Becca Brand did not disappoint.
The opening bar scene in front of black cloths gave way to the fabulous deck of the SS American in its full glory. LTC had created
the set themselves from an enormous funnel backcloth to a scaffolding upper deck and a lower deck with the obligatory doors
for entrances and exits. All levels were used well and the set, coupled with the amazing costumes, provided the perfect backdrop
to the unfolding storyline.
Along with the barman in the first scene (Sam Whitby), who seemed to be drinking all the proceeds and then crept off, we were
treated to the signing talents of the wonderful Leesa Cameron. Dressed in a sailor dress she provided seamless support to
people who needed help with hearing the dialogue, but with incredible enthusiasm and feeling. She was also used by cast
members as a foil for some of the witticisms on stage which was great to see. She was absolutely mesmerising!
We were very soon introduced to Billy Crocker, played by Ewan Dunlop, who had a gentle, vulnerable interpretation of the role.
Possessed of a lovely light tenor voice, this came into its own in the beautiful duet, All through the Night, in which he floated up
to the high note at the end with consummate ease.
Reno, played by Heather Smith, was gorgeous. She had a lovely smile and a sardonic, humorous twinkle in her eye throughout
the show. Her stage presence was outstanding and the costumes she wore were stunning. Her connection with the audience was
great and really emphasised the control she had over the proceedings. It would be difficult to choose a favourite song that she
sang, as she took the lead in all the main dance numbers, and her voice and attack were great. When joined by her ‘angels’ she
had the perfect set up for some pacey dance routines. Well done to Purity (Georgina Blackwell) Chastity (Sophie Clarkson),
Charity (Keeley Spence) and Virtue (Paige Williamson) for not displaying any of those named virtues and treating us with some
great saucy dance routines.
Nicola Bott, as choreographer, ably assisted by Paige Williamson, must be congratulated for some stunning dance routines
especially in the second act. The tap routine in Anything Goes, where the whole company donned tap shoes and strutted their
stuff, was total joy.
The first act got off to a ponderous start but suddenly clicked into gear after Anything Goes. Blow Gabriel Blow (which had a
nine-minute-long dance break) and Buddy, Beware had the audience whooping in enjoyment. In this song Erma, Stephanie Paul,
and the 4 sailors, Jack Crone, Lee Keremezo, Scott McFall and Alex Wood, treated us to a dance routine full of personality and
wit. Stephanie’s voice was raunchy and her delivery exactly suited this role. I loved the ‘Noo Yoik’ accent! Her sailors appeared
throughout the show and always to great effect and great comedic timing. They even tap danced!
The Harcourt contingent, Evangeline, (Stephanie Wilson) and Hope (Ellie Clarke) had a very relatable bond between them. The
change in pace, humour and attack from the whole cast seemed to stem from an hysterical wardrobe malfunction from
Stephanie who, by the way, handled it beautifully. Evangeline was funny, confident and her changes of intentions prompted by
the change in fortunes, were nicely underplayed. Ellie, as Hope, had a lovely young light soprano voice which perfectly echoed
the vulnerable, easily swayed, young girl that she was portraying. Her beau, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, was gawky and posh and very
witty. John Staines, playing the toff with a shocking confession, played him so well and the Gypsy in Me song was another one of
this shows highlights. I barely recognised Buddy from Elf in this performance which proves what a great comedic actor he is!
Elisha Whitney, played by Bradley Green, gave a lovely, bumbling performance of the rich businessman who was deprived of his
glasses and Darren Harper was nicely authoritative as the captain.
Moonface Martin, played by Tim Cater, was absolutely terrific. There were many standout comedic moments in this show but
the struggle with the door frames had me laughing out loud, especially because it was never mentioned in the dialogue. His duet
with Reno, in the song Friendship was so good and it was a joy to watch two accomplished actors deliver the dance routines and
lyrics so competently.
The full sound of the large band was gorgeous. The brass section came into their own during many numbers and the cast must
have realised the power of the fabulous Cole Porter music at the band call. James Green, as MD, had, once again, coaxed the
absolute best out of the cast and his band. I always know we are in safe hands with him at the helm of a show (although I’m not
sure Moonface felt the same….it was lovely to see James used as a foil for some banter!)

Costumes were really lovely and props were good. The purser did have a very small gong which did raise a chuckle! Lighting and
sound were both good and contributed to the pace of the show. Set changes were smooth and efficient and the crew were well
practised.
Ami Roberts and Becca Brand really fulfilled their objective of an old-fashioned show with a modern twist and I really enjoyed
the performance. Congratulations to everyone involved. My thanks for looking after me so beautifully, I can’t wait to visit you all
again.
 

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