Anything Goes by Solihull Theatre Company Review
Written by Roni for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
The Core Theatre in Solihull is a long-standing home for many of the borough’s local amateur dramatic societies to showcase their productions, and this week is the turn of Solihull Theatre Company, as they bring their version of Anything Goes to the stage. The question is, will they sink or swim?
Anything Goes follows a hapless cast of characters as they board the S.S American, a luxury liner bound for England from New York. We meet young broker’s assistant Billy Crooker, who ends up a stowaway on the ship in his pursuit of the woman he loves, debutante Hope Harcourt. When he discovers Hope is recently engaged and soon to be married to the bumbling Lord Oakley, Billy turns to his long-time friend Reno Sweeney, a lounge singer with a slightly less whimsical outlook on life. As the ship’s crew closes in on the impostors in their ranks, including the gangsters Billy shares a cabin with, and Hope’s wedding draws near, can Billy get the girl of his dreams and still keep his job – and his freedom?
As amateur productions go, the set here is both effective and efficient, providing a simple backdrop for the ship hosting all the action. As this is opening night, a few technical issues are still expected to be ironed out, as is the case here with several mic and lighting mishaps that do unfortunately, detract from the show (but that will surely be corrected going forward). The first act is quite a lengthy one for this show, but it thankfully doesn’t feel tedious, finishing up with a spectacular, lengthy tap number to the iconic titular song. The ensemble also does a lovely job in adding to the principal characters and featured dancers, particularly in these larger group numbers. The principal cast themselves are wonderful, and each seems particularly well suited to their roles, with special mention going to Dominic Wilson, who is very amusing as the Purser. Matt Brown is lovely, if a little understated, as leading man Billy Crocker, but is matched evenly by Meg White’s Hope Harcourt. The energy and connection between the two is very sweet and fluffy, a nice contrast to the chaos brought by some of the more gritty characters. Charley Turner is charming and charismatic as starlet Reno Sweeney, although perhaps lacking in the necessary confidence at times, but delivers Reno’s showstopping numbers with ease. Both Lloyd Scarsbrook and Steve Hayes provide some incredibly comedic moments as Lord Evelyn Oakley and Moonface Martin, respectively, with each going down a treat with the audience.
Overall, this is a wonderful production of a much-loved classic show. Whilst there are a few issues to address, most can be put down to opening night hiccups, and the show finds its strength in delivering packed dance numbers, lovely vocals and sparkling humour. This is a shining example of some of the talent that can be hiding in amateur productions, and audiences can be confident that they won’t be disappointed.
Anything Goes plays at The Core Theatre, Solihull from 12-16 May.
★ ★ ★ ★
