In their 80th year, Woodseats Musical Theatre Company donned their sea legs and are all aboard the SS American on its transatlantic journey – in Cole Porter’s classic Anything Goes. The ship had taken a while to set sail as the Covid Pandemic had forced in into dry dock in both 2020 and 2021. But at long last, the anchor is raised and Woodseat’s voyage can finally reach its designated destination!
I do so enjoying watching local amateur productions and especially ones that through adversity triumph – and that can certainly be said for Woodseat’s MTC over the past 80 years and particularly this show – Anything Goes, seems to resonate with their struggles. But theatre once in the blood is there to stay and the resurrection of this company and this production are proof of that!
In the newly refurbished Sheffield Montgomery Theatre and Arts Centre and now under the Sheffield Theatres umbrella company, a packed audience delighted in the music, the nostalgia and the talent on stage. Under the Musical Director’s baton of Dominic Ridler, the 10 piece orchestra soothed the soul, with the familiar highlights in the lengthy Overture and Paul Minott and Cass Orme on Sound ensured the blend was on pointe. Christopher Hanlon’s Lighting design added to the overall ambience as the curtains opened and it was time to set sail. With a simplistic set and the use of a gauze, moveable doors and small scenery pieces, we are transported to a bygone era of innocence and frivolity. Billy Crocker stows away in an attempt to win the heart of his true love, Hope Harcourt – who is due to be married to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Crocker aided by public enemy number 13, Moonface Martin and nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, gets involved with mistaken identities, comedic situations and general mayhem. Eventually as per the era, Billy wins his lady and several other shipmates unexpectedly find that cupid has shot his arrow at their targets too!
Under the Direction of Elissa Smith, the show has speed and pace and some stellar performances by a relatively new cast to Woodseat’s. Joe Pickin plays the role of Billy Crocker and this actor has a very charismatic, cheeky chappy persona, perfect for this role and consistent throughout. His vocals are clear and concise which is paramount for the wordy Cole Porter lyrics. Evie Tooley as Hope Harcourt is particularly notable and is a natural on stage, nothing seems forced in her delivery and her easy singing vocals are soaring. A beguiling and serene actress who is a totally believable asset in this role. Tooley and Pickin’s duet It’s De-Lovely is a highlight of the show. Peter Krajewski gives a comedic and fine performance as Moonface Martin and Drew Emerson as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh gives the expectedly exaggerated portrayal and has many of the shows comedy moments. Andrew Coan as Elisha Whitney has a lovely rapport on stage with his fellow performers and fine comedic timing.
Annie Chadwick as Reno Sweeney is a talented and aesthetic performer, she does a sterling job of holding the show together and her singing and dancing have the required characterisation and polish. What a ‘hoot’ Jessica Brandao is as Emma, a perfectly cast role to show case this young actresses talent and it was wonderful to see her evident tap dancing prowess. I will look out for this actress in future. Probably, the best role in Anything Goes, Evangeline Harcourt and Mary Newby gives an absolute masterclass in character acting in this role. Never too exaggerated but never underdone… perfection and I can honestly say the best Mrs Harcourt I have seen (and I have seen the role many times, professional and amateur) Bravo!
With a ‘regulars’ ensemble and an amateur company, Anything Goes is a difficult show to produce, with the need for exceptional dancers, it is always going to be a tall order for non-professionals, however the choreography by Alice Carr and Megan Leybourne is carefully constructed to make the most of the more able dancers yet allow the whole cast to participate… well done, not an easy feat. The ensemble dress the set well and stay in character throughout and the costumes were ‘frequent and fabulous’!
May I thank Woodseat Musical theatre Company for your kind invite to witness the long awaited sailing of the SS American and congratulate you all on your very smooth and enjoyable sailing. (It made me want to book another cruise!) If you haven’t got a ticket to sail, grab your passport to board! Anything Goes is at the Sheffield Montgomery and tickets are available from the Sheffield Theatres Box office.
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 10th July 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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