Anything Goes

I was very pleased to be asked to stand in for my colleague, Jacqui Hartley, in reviewing this production - this is not the first time I have seen a Dewsbury Collegians production and I know it will not be the last.

I was surprised to find that this version was not the one I had seen and appeared in some years ago, but I was informed that this was the older version. Nonetheless, it was a sparkling production, still retaining quirky dialogue and that marvellous Cole Porter score - so many memorable tunes and lyrics that fascinate. Neatly directed by Kevin Moore, who kept the action moving on board the S.S America - musical direction was in the capable hands of James Rodgers. The choreographer, Joanne Perkins, had devised good movement within the capabillities of her cast and it was most effective - I also loved the tap routine for the title number of the show, well executed. The entire cast were on tip-top form, led by a Reno with a vocal attack not unlike the late Ethel Merman, with strong support from all the principals.

I am always keen to see good attention to costume and I am pleased to say this was an excellently dressed production - correct in period and well-chosen footwear, not easy in these days of financial restraint, but it makes all the difference. Make-up, hair and wigs looked very professional.

Given the difficulties of the Town Hall stage, the set was cleverly designed and built by Howard Goalby and Rod Baxter respectively, which the cast made full use of in various scenes from main deck to staterooms. The backstage team worked efficiently in scene changes, as did lighting and sound. I was told that many obstacles had to be overcome with this production, including a last-minute principal re-cast - you'd never have guessed from the front! Congratulations for a splendid production, on stage, back stage and front of house - your audience left smiling and humming those great tunes!

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