ANYTHING GOES

Anything Goes has been wowing audiences ever since this bubbly Cole Porter musical opened on Broadway in 1934, with just about every number in this a hit and instantly recognised and very well delivered.

This was a high quality production with the whole company rising extremely well to the challenge and giving highly entertaining performances linked to some wonderful individual characterisations from all the principals

Set aboard the ocean liner SS American Reno Sweeney (Hayley Mills) gave a strong singing performance as the night club singer. Her pal Billy (Stuart Parish) danced magnificently as the stow away to be near his love Hope Harcourt (Gemma Jones) with her “De-lovely” song and dance routine.

Lord Eevlyn (Jeff Gill) suitably awkward and with a polished cut glass accent gave a brilliant ‘Gypsy’ performance complete with a mouth held rose. Moonface Martin (Hugh Duck) and Erma (Rachael Phillpot) included many excellent comedic moments. Evangeline (Julie Sterenberg) and Eli (Paul Alexander) were assured in their respective roles as were the Chinese Converts Debbie Salkeld & Penny Hoy.

The big ensemble numbers ‘Bon Voyage’, ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Blow Gabriel Blow’ were vocally strong and imaginatively choreographed enhanced with costumes of intense colour and variety resulting from inspirational sourcing  from a costume supplier disposing of stock.

This was a most pleasing production and all did well to overcome the restricted space on stage. It was a thoroughly enjoyable show and celebrating 50 years the company can look forward to another half century and beyond entertaining their audience.

Ian G Cox

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