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NODA North West Magazine

ANYTHING GOES (1998)

Macclesfield Majestic Theatre

Producer - Cecil Walker
Choreographer - Gillian Hulme
Musical Director - Sheila Kent

Anything Goes has outstanding music and lyrics which carries it along, but much of its appeal depends on how imaginative the producer and choreographer are. The printed script could be a turn off, if one didn't see the potential in the situations and a cast adequate enough to carry it off. Parts of the show are like farce. People are dashing in and out with narry an empty stage. On this opening night, one or two characters and some of the chorus only dabbled their toes in the murky water of entrances. Due to, as in 95% of amateur musicals, lack of technical rehearsals. It must be somewhat of a feather, therefore, in Stage Manager Keith Pearce's cap to have had such a smooth running performance, given the difficult back, or should I say side-stage facilities. The opening 15 minutes was slow. The overall company was not as large as some I have seen at the Majestic, despite all the 'bit' parts, but this did not detract, but rather added to the whole. For the unenlightened the VERY rigid set imposes severe limitations on the stage movement, but this severe discipline can, in the right hands be an advantage, as it was here. No akward exits and entrances where a multitude of 1st class passengers shuttle up the companion ways to perform their numbers. This smallness of ensemble in no way affected the musical sound because there were some very good singers here. The producer kept his overall cast close to the script and straight down the middle in characterisation. I've seen some of the small parts in 'Anything Goes', in cunning and experienced hands, practically steal scenes from the principals.

There was an attractive group of Reno's Angels. Harry Newton's Elisha J.Whitney was straight from Wall Street and a good foil to the elegant, well acted Mrs Harcourt of Olga Buckley, whose daughter Hope was played by an inexperienced but sweetly sung Catherine Manning. Shirley Davies' experience in producing, showed in her unusual interpretation of Bonnie. Her part grew and developed as the show went on. Opposite her, Nigel Wells found his feet after his opening scene to give an enjoyable, funny, Moonfaced Martin. Other, than in the 'Hot Pants' scene, needing better timing as the week goes on, Richard Commish relished every moment as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh with his clear diction and good Act II number. Billy Crocker's part is similar to some in Shakespeare! "What stupid comment is this?" Well, you need to look young and to play it, but plenty of stage experience to do it. Michael Daws had plenty of the former, potential plus enormous enthusiasm but he needs more experience to be the character that 'carries' the show. Then we had a Reno Sweeney who had everything this part demands. Carolyn Farrish looked a million dollars, had style, class, moved well and was vocally terrific. Certainly by far the best thing I have seen her do. The 'Blow, Gabriel, Blow!' was probably the best ensemble number I have seen from Macclesfield Majestic T.G. Appropriately so, as the production, not only sends Chairman Harry Newton across the Atlantic to compete in the New York Marathon. Yes! but is their Silver Jubilee Production. Here's to the next 25 years Macclesfield.