Review: ANYTHING GOES, Barbican Theatre
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
Well, all eyes have been on this eagerly awaited London revival production of Anything Goes, having been postponed due to the pandemic and then having its leading lady Megan Mullally pull out. However, it's up, it's open and my goodness it is a marvel.
The beautiful Barbican Theatre does not host much by means of musical theatre but they couldn't have gotten much more lavish than Kathleen Marshall's Tony award-winning production of this classic golden age musical.
Derek McLane recreates the S.S. America in front of our very eyes, with a set that takes up the vast Barbican stage plus various smaller automated set pieces which are then boxed in to create a more intimate setting. Paired with the absolutely stunning costumes designed by Jon Morrell and Hugh Vanstone's sublime lighting, it is a sight to behold.
Jonathan Deans' sound design makes for crystal clear listening and allows Cole Porter's sumptuous score to reach every crevasse of the auditorium, thanks also to Stephen Ridley's musical supervision/direction, Michael Gibson’s orchestrations and of course, the 16-strong, woodwind heavy orchestra.
Marshall's direction is faultless. The action moves seamlessly around the large set, with excellent notice paid to the strong characterisation of these often larger than life roles. John Weidman and Timothy Crouse's book is incredibly witty and Marshall's direction lifts it up and off the page successfully.
The casting. We have a sensational line-up here including the Tony award-winning actress Sutton Foster as Reno Sweeney (replacing Mullally), Robert Lindsay as Moonface Martin, Felicity Kendal as Evangeline Harcourt and Gary Wilmot as Elisha Whitney.
Foster is undoubtedly the star of the show and it is easy to see why she was decorated for the role in the Broadway production. From the second she steps onto the stage (to applause, I might add), you can tell she's just got it. There's no other way to define her performance. She oozes star quality and charisma but really shows what she's made of during the title number at the end of Act One - complete with 8-minute tap routine - and 'Blow Gabriel Blow' later on in the second half. She also gives a very believable, warming performance of 'Friendship' alongside Robert Lindsay who is also a scene stealer on many an occasion!
Kendal and Wilmot, although lesser seen, give great comedic turns along with Carly Mercedes Dyer as Erma who is a hoot from start to finish; 'Buddy, Beware' being her moment to shine when she laps up every second, and rightfully so. Samuel Edwards and Nicole-Lily Baisden as Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt respectively make for a charming couple who you can't help but root for throughout, whilst Haydn Oakley as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh greatly comes into his own during 'The Gypsy in Me' having had an intentionally pedestrian journey up until that point.
A first class experience on board the S.S. America: delightful, delicious, de-lovely.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Anything Goes runs at the Barbican Theatre until 31 October 2021. To book tickets, please click here.
