10:56 PM 4th December 2025
Anything Goes Christmas Steamer Sails Into York
The cast of Anything Goes
This Cole Porter classic follows the madcap antics of a motley crew as they sail from New York to London – on a Christmas-themed steamer.
First up we meet Reno Sweeney, a popular nightclub singer/evangelist and her pal Billy Crocker - a lovelorn Wall Street broker who has stowed away on board in pursuit of his beloved - Hope Harcourt.
Hope is, of course, engaged to another passenger, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, played by Neil Foster who is reprising the role after 27 years. “It’s amazing how I’ve remembered so many of the lines and lyrics,” said Neil. “They must have been buried somewhere in my memory!”
And then there’s the second-rate conman, Moonface Martin, aka “Public Enemy #13”.
Song, dance, and some fabulously farcical antics follow as Reno and Moonface try to help Billy win the love of his life.
Alex Mather leads the talented cast as Reno, marking her first lead role in a musical.
“Taking on Reno Sweeney is incredibly exciting for me,” said Alex. “I’m stepping into such a sharp and charismatic role, which is a dream come true.
“With Cole Porter’s music and the brilliant, witty script, the whole experience feels nostalgic, stylish and incredibly glamorous.”
Which pretty much sums up Susannah Baines and Beryl Nairn, who are sharing the sassy role of Hope’s mother, Evangeline Harcourt. Susannah and Beryl, who are no strangers to sequins and dancing, are eager to take the stage at Theatre@41.
“It’s a fantastic role, and I’m honoured to be sharing it with such a great, talented friend,” said Susannah. “I just feel for the rest of the cast – dealing with two overbearing mothers! I love this era – it’s so elegant. And I’m really enjoying working with our choreographer, Ali Kirkham.”
Ali is right at home with her role – not just as a choreographer – but also with the setting of this musical.
“I worked as a singer myself on cruise ships,” said Ali who was also Head of Musical Theatre at Kirkham Henry Performing Arts. “I produced shows for over 20 years for the fabulous Fred Olsen liners and theatres around the world.
“Many of my ex-students have gone on to perform on the West End and Broadway, in television and films, and of course on top-class cruise lines – like my former student Charlie Fox who is joining our York cast between contracts.”