Anything Goes - The Mellow Dramatics

Photo: Mellow Dramatics

Cole Porter’s Anything Goes burst onto Brewhouse’s stage, courtesy of local group, Mellow Dramatics. Since first premiering back in 1934, the glitzy musical is a perennial favourite and it is abundantly clear why. From catchy songs to exhilarating dancing, the show fizzes with glamour from the offset. Therefore, it was a joy to see such an exuberant group perform this show with the panache it deserves.

The endearingly cheeky Billy Crocker was played wonderfully by Tom Brassington – his dulcet tones rang through the auditorium and brought much of the humour throughout the night. He was paired well with Lucy Warner as Hope Harcourt and when their voices came together there were some touching harmonies. Another pairing that garnered many a laugh was Dan Robb as the suitably sleazy Moonface Martin and Natasha Ingham as the ditsy Bonnie.

However, stealing the show was the duo of Joe Bromfield as Evelyn and Lucy Robinson as Reno. Both excellent, their characterisation was delightful from the offset. A particular highlight was Let’s Misbehave, whilst Robinson shone in Blow, Gabriel Blow.

Under the direction of Andrew Warner and musical direction of Sara Kimber the pace was good, with a lovely touch at the beginning as members of the cast mingled with the audience (all in character of course!). Harmonies were tight amongst the whole ensemble, although there were a couple of moments where the ensemble were a little quiet. 

Simple, yet very clever staging created an effective backdrop for the show and added to the versatility. It was, however, the breathtaking choreography that wrapped this show together into a thoroughly enjoyable package. With complicated dance routines, carefully executed by the competent cast, Anything Goes is a thrill from beginning to end.

Make sure to catch it, before it sails out of town.