As revivals of Cole Porter musicals go, this new touring production of his 1934 show Anything Goes must be one of the most stultifying and middle of the road.
From the uninspired but perfectly functional set to the uninspiring but perfectly functional cast, this show is awash with mediocrity. There’s only really one member of the company - Ria Jones as Reno - who you could imagine holding their own on a West End stage.
The production enjoys fleeting flashes of animation while she is performing songs like I Get a Kick Out of You and her comic number Friendship with Michael Starke as Moonface - the production’s other highlight. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm isn’t infectious and the rest of the cast look like they are sleepwalking through the show.
I should stress that there’s nothing significantly wrong with the production other than its severe lack of energy - never have I seen a musical that is quite so flat.
Even the sound quality, something which is usually excellent at the New Victoria, seems strangely tinny in places. Cole Porter’s music and lyrics, wonderful and catchy though they are, cannot make up for what is an unashamedly lazy and standardised regurgitation of a classic.
Oh and I expect you are wondering how broadcaster Angela Rippon does as Evangeline Harcourt. Well, she struggles a little with an American accent, impresses a little with a couple of high kicks but more than anything just looks happy to be on stage. You have to wonder why.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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