Anything Goes

The good ship SS America berthed at Milford Marina in March and staged an entertaining and colourful revival of Anything Goes at the town`s Torch Theatre. Director Julie Condon achieved a production with plenty of life and movement in the production numbers, performed by a well drilled company singing their best and with obvious pleasure. Aled Davies was a very good song and dance man in his role as Billy Crocker, the stowaway in pursuit of his love., Hope Harcourt, attractively played and sung by Zara Colley. Their numbers together were a delight. Hope, however, already has a fiance, a blue blood woosterish Lord Evel;yn Oakley, well played by Alex Dukes. Evangelist nightclub singer, Reno Sweeny, was a noteable performance by Naomi Harrison, who had a glamorous presence, a nice style in comedy and the right voice to handle the romantic and fun numbers and lead the company in the big *" Blow Gabriel Blow" and "Anything Goes" numbers. Funny man, hard working Luke Broughton aquitted himself well as Moonface Martin- criminally ambitious Public Enemy number 13, and Terri Harrison deliciously played Erma, the gangsters moll with a penchant for sailors.Karen Barker elegantly fluttered as Evangeline, mother and chaperone of Hope, and Steve Butler had a good character as wealthy businessman, Elisha Whitney. Supporting roles and cameos were well covered  as Laura Rogers, Emily Arnold, Leila Thomas and Glesni Edwards as Reno`s "fallen" angels. Jeff McCarthy the Captain and James Marjoram as the ever busy Purser. Musical Director  Marian Harris had assembled a fulsome sounding band to bring out the best in Cole Porter and the company.. The production was attractively costumed and the staging worked well and efficiently.

This turned out to be a happy and enjoyable voyage. Thanks for the invite and also for the hospitality. 

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