Anything Goes

The five-star sold-out musical sensation, Anything Goes shimmers and sparkles in Edinburgh for a strictly limited season.

The musical sensation Anything Goes features a 50 strong cast and ensemble of the finest we have to offer on stage (including tap dancing sailors!) and a full-sized live orchestra, this heart-warming and hilarious production is “the spectacle of the year” (The Times) and ‘The antidote to everything’ (The Guardian).

Starring Multi-Award Winner Kerry Ellis (Wicked/We Will Rock You) as Reno Sweeney and Olivier Award Winner Denis Lawson (Bleak House/Star Wars) as Moonface Martin. Joining them is Oliver Award Winner Simon Callow (Art/Death in Paradise) as Elisha Whitney and Musical Theatre Royalty Bonnie Langford (EastEnders/9 to 5) as Evangeline Harcourt.

Directed by the Multi-Award-Winning Broadway director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall, this major production features farcical fun and spectacular show stopping dance routines, all set to Cole Porter’s joyful score, including ‘I Get A Kick Out of You’, ‘You’re the Top’ and the show stopping ‘Anything Goes’.

Anything Goes – Theatre Review by Kelly Lacey

Anything Goes features a stellar lineup, with Kerry Ellis at the helm. A huge empowering and impressive set with a three tier level of a ship. Complex dance performances and a big live band. All that you would think put together would be outstanding. Unfortunately, something just didn’t work for me but I was in the minority because at the interval and as I was leaving the words I heard from the other audience members were exceptional, unforgettable, bloody amazing! So maybe this was just a personal preference.

However, that is not to say that I didn’t have some great takeaway moments from the musical. Seeing Kerry Ellis perform the Anything Goes was incredible. It’s a huge number and I was impressed. I don’t know how they remember such a big routine but it was breathtaking. Kerry Ellis does have an incredible stage presence. Something almost like old Hollywood glamour.

I grew up in the 80s watching Bonnie Langford on the tv and it was very special to see her perform live. I remember an abundance of red curls and a very happy positive Bonnie on my television. She absolutely brought that energy to the stage last night.

Overall the performance had a few first-night technical glitches which I am sure will be resolved for the run going forward. If you enjoy a light hearted story with some old fashioned humour thrown in. With big musical dance numbers then Anything Goes is for you.

Three stars

Tickets

Anything Goes

WED 11 MAY TO SUN 15 MAY 2022

Evenings Wed – Sat 7.30pm | Matinees Thu & Sat 2:30pm; & Sun 15 May, 3pm

Running time (approx.): 2 hours 37 minutes (includes 20 min. interval)

FESTIVAL THEATRE

BOX OFFICE: 0131 529 6000

https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/anything-goes

Thank you to Capital Theatres for the gifted press tickets in exchange for an honest review.