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All aboard as ‘Anything Goes’ has anchored in Manchester.
This classic musical was revived at the Barbican in London last year to rave reviews and even had an extended run thanks to huge demand. And they’ve cruised up the Atlantic to entertain us Northerners.
Read my reviews of Singing in the rain and Les Miserable
A musical romp
Onboard the SS American are a medley of passengers that are sailing from New York to London, all which paths cross in this musical romp.
The chaotic story centres around Billy Crocker who sneaks on board ship to permanently win the heart of debutante, Hope Harcourt. He soon finds she’s engaged to posh boy, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, in a marriage for money. So, he enlists the help of long-term buddy and famous singer, Reno Sweeney, and public enemy number 13, Moonface Martin, to win her hand. No matter what it takes.
And with mistaken identities, terrible disguises and love triangles, this high-class cruise isn’t as smooth sailing as they paid for.
The set is super luxurious with a towering cruise liner that fills the entire stage. There’s absolutely no doubt that we’re on the high seas, especially with singing sailors in crisp white nautical uniforms.
And the ship isn’t the only thing that draws your eye as the choreography is truly something else! The end of Act One shows off a jaw dropping tap routine that will transport you right back to the golden age of musicals. And sleezy, jazzy number, ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’, is a devils delight to watch.
Shipful of stars
The captain of this ship really is Kerry Ellis as Reno Sweeney. She oozes sex appeal and confidence with a cheeky attitude that makes her one of the boys. Kerry could have been swallowed up by the swells of sailors and passengers on stage but instead proved what a superstar she is!
Samuel Edwards has a charm that makes him a hugely likeable Billy Crocker and Denis Lawson is suitably gangster as Moonface Martin. Although I must admit, it’s hard to see anyone else in the role after Robert Lindsay.
And watch out for two comedic characters that will have you creasing. Carly Mercedes Dyer is sassy, sultry and seriously high-pitched as Erma, with an unforgettable giggle. And Haydn Oakley is such a silly British caricature as Lord Evelyn who flies high in ‘The Gypsy in me’.
Anything Goes is an all singing and all dancing musical extravaganza that dazzles. It’s ‘De-Lovely’ and so very ‘Easy to Love’.
Playing at The Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 18 June 2022.