Review: Co4 “Anything Goes”


It’s all aboard the S.S. American for local theatre Group, Company of Four, in their latest production of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes.

co4anythingFull of recognisable musical numbers and a comical storyline, Anything Goes tells the story of Wall Street broker, Billy Crocker who stows away on board the ship in the hope that he will win the heart of his beloved Hope Harcourt. Only problem is Hope is about to marry English gent, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh. Also, on board is Public Enemy Number 13, ‘Moonface’ Martin, who is on the run with his friend Erma. The pair are disguised as a minister and missionary, however when Billy discovers their true identities, they agree to help him find away to stop the wedding in exchange for his silence about who they really are.

Although an amateur theatre group the Company of Four’s production is anything but… Jo Whelton gives a stand out performance as Reno Sweeny and David Crane’s portrayal of Moonface Martin could rival some professional actors.

Rabecca Han-De-Beaux has the most amazing voice and played a fitting Hope Hardcourt, who along with Darren Scriven were both perfectly cast. Julie Howes also puts in a really sassy performance as Erma.

Anything goes is full of great musical numbers and this production certainly didn’t disappoint, I Get a Kick Out Of You, You’re The Top, It’s De-Lovely and of course, Anything Goes were all delivered beautifully and the orchestra should be congratulated on a great performance.

The only criticism is the sound quality distracts a little from the great performance onstage, crackly mikes, a strange echo at times and the levels not quite right all really needs to be addressed, as other wise this is a brilliant show from a very hard working theatre group.

Overall the Company of Four’s Production of Anything Goes is well worth a watch, this strong company of amateur actors sure could give some professional productions a run for their money.

— WENDY COOK – Ipswich24

• “Anything Goes” plays at the Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge until 6th July, 2013. Box office : 01394 382174
www.theriverside.co.uk