Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter

Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton

New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman

                        and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse

When we were deciding in the dark days of the pandemic which show to choose for our “come-back”, only one sprung to mind, Anything Goes. Why? Well, we felt that everyone would need a pick-me-up and this show will do that! We knew both our audiences and cast would love it as much as they did the last time and the same for our cast. It wasn't all plain sailing, however.

We were due to put on this show in 2022 but as restrictions grew on gatherings there was no way we could rehearse and keep everyone safe. However, we picked everything back up and with a few cast changes we made it.

This show is steeped in the musicals of the 1930s and is full of Cole Porter standards and with the addition of some broad characters, a witty script and some fantastic choreography, it really is the epitome of musical theatre. We have made a couple of changes similar to the last time we produced the show, nearly all action now moved to “on-deck” allowing for a simpler set which is crucial when you have two very different sized venues to consider.

Production was led by the resourceful Paul; he was the very backbone of getting this show on the road. He also worked hard on the costumes with Laura, making a lot of our costumes using vintage dress patterns and they have well exceeded any expectations. Laura has also been DSM, sitting with Ruairidh out front at all rehearsals and running the sound on the night. Thanks to Ffion, Ellie and Kevin for the brilliant lighting design. Chris, our Musical Director, drilled our singers to perfection. His patience and determination to make us sound the best we can is boundless.

Adam, Choreographer Supreme brought us all a sense of fun as well as hard work which paid off in the intricate numbers. Backstage, Cat kept us in check and Ruairidh's eye for detail, focus on pace and on getting every inch of humour from the script ensured a night which left our regular audience, and our new audience in Newport, more than happy.

The cast were diligent in their work. And it was lovely to welcome some new faces to the company. The principals were led by Hayley who made the show hers with a polished and rousing performance as Reno Sweeney. Shane was dashing as Billy and showed off his dancing skills in many of the musical numbers. Ellie as Hope was a glamorous socialite, somewhat more than the usual drippy love interest as she played it with vim. Paul and Cat Baillie as the humorous duo, Moonface Martin and his moll Erma, were firm audience favourites. Nick and Becca made a lovely couple as Eli and Mrs Harcourt. Steve as Evelyn with his charming naivety won the day with Reno and ensured plenty of laughs in the auditorium. And as for our nuns, Sarah and Kate made sure no one would forget them with bravura performances. Add in the nimble purser and sailors, Reno's Angels and the rest of the passengers and it truly can be said this was a joyful voyage. Just see the reviews!