Anything Goes

Anything Goes with music and lyrics by Cole Porter is based originally on collaborative effort by Guy Bolton and PG Wodehouse, heavily revised by the team of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.  Since its 1934 debut at the AlvinTheatre (now known as the Neil Simon Theatre) on Broadway, the musical has been revived several times in the United States and Britain and has been filmed twice – and tonight was given a very accomplished performance by Mansfield Operatic Company with the staging, acting & vocal performance and orchestra combining together seamlessly to provide a highly enjoyable evening.

Pam, Carolyn, Paul and Abbie should be congratulated for their obvious attention to detail that was evident in every element throughout the evening, on and offstage, with the set design/building teams, and costuming adding to and complimenting the overall performance.

Every Actor gave strong vocal and acting performances with well rounded, believable characters developing along their various arcs. Everyone concerned should also be congratulated for directing and playing the characters as originally written - there was a little ‘breaking the fourth wall’ from the sailors, which was fine…. Abbie ensured that the movement flowed throughout the evening and ‘Blow Gabriel’ was a highlight in this area. 

Characterisation by the cast was strong and particular credit should go to Simon Brickell for a dry and effortlessly funny ‘Moonface Martin’, Matthew Bird who gave ‘Lord Evelyn Oakleigh’ a very three dimensional character and Carolyn Frith with her appropriately earthy and sassy ‘Erma’.  Jo Dewberry and Dave Egan gave strong acting and vocal performances as ‘Reno Sweeny’ and ‘Billy Crocker’, ably supported by Helen Mumby, Claire Wragg, Wayne Shutt, Stuart Moody, Martyn Morgan with Terry Bramwell, Oliver Bates and Nathan Stubbs providing the comic support throughout the evening.  

These key performers were very ably supported by the members of the ensemble and the dance and vocal precision of Reno’s angels (Chloe Payne, Verity Lee-Varley, Imogen Morris and Abbie Morgan) was a strength to the production throughout.

Lighting and sound supported the production effortlessly which was also enhanced by the highly visible 12 piece orchestra, which provided great balance with the performances on stage especially in ‘All Through the Night’.  I have been in a few productions myself where the MD is behind the cast – and the trust displayed by Paul and his cast was something you should be very proud of.    The complex set with its sliding panels and effective construction added to the ‘quality feel’ of the production so many congratulations – the many hours that must have taken were worth it.

I look forward to seeing your next production.

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