Anything Goes

Anything Goes was originally penned in 1934 with music and lyrics by Cole Porter but has since had been updated several times. The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy No.13, Moonface Martin, join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart. The impressive set had two sets of quite steep stairs leading up to the bridge deck with a retracting middle section underneath that served several purposes and trucks were used for the cabin scenes. Sarah Morrell was perfect in the role of the sexy and charismatic nightclub singer, Reno Sweeney. She brought the stage alive whenever she appeared with an exuberant, energetic and radiant performance. Her incredible singing voice, matched with her fine acting and dancing skills were so much in evidence none more so than in such numbers as ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’ and ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’. In comparison, Alison Doram was charming, sweet, sophisticated and poised as befits the role of wealthy heiress, Hope Harcourt and her lovely singing voice came to the fore in ‘All Through the Night’. Robert Spencer was so impressive as Billy Crocker. He was charismatic, charming and his powerful singing voice and acting skills made him a perfect choice for the role. His perfectly executed antics, when trying to conceal himself using various identities, were hilarious. Karl Brennan was great and extremely funny from his accent to his facial expressions as loveable, goofy gangster Moonface Martin, who desperately wants to be Gangster No.1. I loved his rendition of ‘Be like a Bluebird’. His sexy sidekick, Bonnie, was delightfully played by Sue Higgins. She can certainly sing and dance at the highest level and along with Moonface extricated every ounce of comedy from their respective roles. Daniel Wheeldon gave a creditable and believable performance as the gullible, slightly dim-witted Sir Evelyn Oakleigh and really came out of his shell as he splendidly sang ‘The Gypsy in Me’. Yvonne Taylor was excellent as overbearing Mrs. Harcourt as was Danny Winson as Wall Street tycoon, Elisha J Whitney.

Good support came from a rather camp Purser played by David Orange, Kelly Wallhead and Nic Crossley as Ching and Ling and Simon Levington as the Captain. The Angels and Passengers literally sang, danced and moved at every conceivable opportunity and the enthusiasm and energy shown was first-rate as were all the choreographed numbers. The costumes were absolutely stunning with not a crease in sight on the fabulous dresses and outfits. Sadly, at times, the orchestra was somewhat out of balance and certain sections were rather over powering. Putting that small niggle aside, it was an extremely colourful show oozing style and dynamism, especially from the terrific principals. Congratulations to all involved.

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