Anything Goes in MTW’s latest hit production at the Warwick Arts Centre

Romantic and hilarious as it may be, a musical comedy from the 1930s may at first seem an odd choice for modern student theatre. Full of problematic faves, enormous tap numbers, and ending with more wedding-reshuffling than the finale of Mamma Mia, taking on Anything Goes was a gargantuan task. Thankfully, genius director Ellie Woolston, musical director Dominic Hodgson, and the rest of the production team, proved themselves more than capable.

No expense appears to have been spared. A specially installed proscenium arch decorated with cruise ship cabin windows sets your expectations high before the curtains even opens, on what is apparently a deceptively affordable cruise liner set worthy of the West End. A sign hangs low, emblazoned with the name of the musical in a bespoke new font and surrounded by lightbulbs, giving all the garish spectacular of the era. Even the musical director, barely visible from the pit under the stage, is wearing a sailor hat.

Britain manages to make it her own, with a witty and pitch-perfect performance, showing off her extreme charisma and chemistry with literally every other cast member

Chloe Britain’s Reno Sweeney shows her flexibility right out of the gate. High kicks and tap prowess, she is truly an incredible find. When the role has had such definitive takes as Ethel Merman, Patti LuPone, and most recently Sutton Foster’s incredible second run, it can be intimidating to take on. But Britain manages to make it her own, with a witty and pitch-perfect performance, showing off her extreme charisma and chemistry with literally every other cast member.

Director Ellie Woolston explained the importance of a friendly community feeling amongst the team, casting across year groups to allow first year actors to be mentored by those more experienced. The resulting ensemble cast is highly impressive. To draw attention to a few: Toby Hancock turns in an incredible dramatic performance as Billy Crocker, with one of the best accents on the stage. Reno Sweeney’s angels had the consistent smiles of Broadway professionals, and their flawless supporting performances elevated the whole production. Yasmin Singleton’s Erma Latour temporarily stole the show during ‘Buddy Beware’, and could easily play a leading role in future productions. Additional shout out must be given to the gravelly caricature that is Pavel Scerbakov’s Elisha Whitney.

They pull through thanks to a genius collaboration with Warwick Tap society, who seamlessly integrate into the cast for the major tap moments, including the gargantuan titular number

Two different Broadway productions of Anything Goes have won a Tony for Best Choreography, marking the show an ambitious choice for a student production. They pull through thanks to a genius collaboration with Warwick Tap society, who seamlessly integrate into the cast for the major tap moments, including the gargantuan titular number. Even the non-tap dance numbers though are utterly mesmerising, particularly Britain’s duets with Henry Butler’s Moonface Martin, who was thoroughly captivating on all fronts. Cole Porter’s score feels right at home amongst the brass-heavy Big Band. They nailed the vintage sound right from the overture, and every joke, emotion, and shuffle ball change is perfectly punctuated throughout the show.

A delightful, delicious, and de-lovely modern production of an old classic

All in all, a delightful, delicious, and de-lovely modern production of an old classic, expertly supported by Tech Crew, and oozing with the charming and overstated comedy of a bygone era.