Julia Pattison, Theatre Correspondent
Anything Goes
Double trouble for Mark Simmons with Susannah Baines and Beryl Nairn playing Evangeline Harcourt.
Photo: Felix Wahlberg.
Robert Readman’s set designs are always legendary, and he’s pulled out all the stops to make the show an immersive production (Director Andrew Isherwood wanted the audience and cast alike to feel as if they were on this cruise ship together, and Robert has played Fairy Godmother and more than granted his wish).
Every little detail had been considered – we really did feel we were on the deck of a luxury liner, and indeed, part of the action throughout the show, as we were in such close proximity to the cast.
The band on the balcony above our heads, most ably directed by John Atkin, opened the show with a delightful medley of Cole Porter’s divine tunes – the aperitif before the main course of the musical.
We were eased into the storyline by a conversation between leading lady Reno Sweeney (played by Alexandra Mather, who was absolutely fabulous in the role; a most talented singer, dancer, and all-round performer) and the male lead, Billy Crocker (played by Adam Price, who was firing on all cylinders, relishing his role). It was full steam ahead after that, and a fast and furious pace was set – we all got a kick from all the wonderful singing and dancing routines – so much flair, so much talent right in front of us, a riot of colourful costumes and flying feet (especially the terrific tap dancing) – fabulous!
Julie Fisher excelled herself with the 1930s costumes, a feast for the eyes… so delightful, so lovely!
This musical comedy was chock-full of laugh-out-loud, madcap moments with strong performances from Moonface Martin (Fergus Powell), Claire Gordon-Brown (Hope Harcourt), Erma Latour (Thea Fennel), Elisha Whitney (Mark Simmonds), Evangeline Harcourt (Susannah Baines) and Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Neil Foster) – perfect casting.
I laughed like a drain at Hope’s English aristocrat fiancé Evelyn’s attempts to try out the US lingo that so fascinated him and all the De-Lovely nonsense involving the Captain (Adrian Cook) and the Ship’s Purser (Leo Portal) as they valiantly tried to deal with hosts of disguises, sailors and showgirls, not to mention a cheeky puppet dog! Spit (Zachary Thorp) and his sidekick Dippy (Reuben Baines) kept us all entertained with their antics.
In the second act, the musical number Blow Gabriel Blow just blew us all away; Ali Kirkham’s choreography was awesome and delivered with such skill and grace by The Angels: Chloe Branton (Chastity), Sophie Curry (Virtue) and Sophie Kemp (Charity). A special mention must be given to sensational sailors Charlie Fox and James Robert Ball, who wowed us with their dancing, acrobatic actions, and wonderfully expressive performances.
To quote Lord Evelyn, this witty, wonderful, champagne-popping extravaganza was “the Rat’s Pyjamas” and perfectly timed to coincide with the festive season. A real pick-me-up!