The going’s good for Anything Goes

DESPITE the original musical being penned more than 80 years ago, director Daniel Evans believes modern audiences will find aspects of Anything Goes eerily familiar.

“It covers the start of celebrity culture,” says Evans, following the touring production’s run in Hull. “All the passengers are desperate for there to be a celebrity among their fellow travellers.

“And it was written at a time when there had been another huge depression, following a big crash when banks were over-lending money. It was written for audiences in the US to have a pure form of escapism, to come to the theatre and forget the troubles of their lives.”

Anything Goes is set in the golden age of travel, during a trans-Atlantic cruise. It follows the trials and tribulations of young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker who falls in love at first sight with a mysterious heiress. Spotting her embarking an ocean liner to London he stows away on board ship to win her heart. Helping him out are second-rate gangster “public enemy number 13” Moonface Martin, and evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, all soundtracked by the best of Cole Porter.

“There are so many songs we love and recognise,” says Evans – pointing to I Get A Kick Out Of You, You’re The Top and the title song. The 1987 revision of the original book by John Weidman and Timothy Crouse, son of original writer Russel Crouse, added even more Porter classics from across his career.

“The story itself is an old-fashioned Hollywood screwball comedy like His Girl Friday. All the characters talk very quickly and wittily – they have always got a great put down. The women are sassy, and the men are either incompetent or misogynistic sexists who deserve to be put down.

“I wanted to make sure it wasn’t a museum piece – but a living, breathing thing which says something about our world today. Even though it is a bubbly, frothy musical there are satirical elements in there.”

This production of Anything Goes was originally Sheffield Theatres’ Christmas show.

As artistic director of the theatre, Evans was keen to ensure the touring version retained that same high level of quality – taking a 26-strong cast and orchestra on the road.

“We are developing a name for ourselves developing high quality musical theatre,” says Evans. “Even though it’s hard on the road touring such a big group of people it was important for us that all the costumes, cast and standards were totally maintained.”

Taking the role of gangster Moonface Martin is Benidorm’s Hugh Sachs, while Jane Wymark, who played Mrs Barnaby in the ever-popular Midsomer Murders, is the haughty Evangeline Harcourt. Meanwhile the two leads Billy Crocker and Reno Sweeney are played by Olivier-nominated West End stars Matt Rawle from Evita and Martin Guerre, and The Bodyguard’s Debbie Kurup.

“They are a brilliant company of actors,” says Evans, adding many came to the tour straight from the Sheffield Theatres production. “They are all so dedicated – it is so inspiring. People are leaving the auditorium with their hearts uplifted.”