By Isle of Wight Observer
The Island Savoyards are famous for their high-energy, spectacular musicals, and they are back at Shanklin Theatre next week with their autumn show – Cole Porter’s joyful ’Anything Goes’.
Set on board the SS American, we are introduced to Hope Harcourt and her stuffy English fiancé, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, travelling from New York to London for their wedding, accompanied by Hope’s overbearing mother, Evangeline Harcourt. Also on board (though he shouldn’t be!) is Billy Crocker, who came aboard with a message for his boss, only to recognise Hope as the beautiful girl he met at a party and fell in love with. Determined not to let her go a second time, he stows away, intending to romance her again…until he finds out she is to be married….
Hope’s mother also finds an old friend on board. Eli Whitney is Billy’s boss, and thinks he’s safely back at the office. Just to complicate matters further, Billy’s friend, feisty nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, also has feelings for him,. Another stowaway is conman Moonface Martin (Public Enemy No 13), who is supposed to be travelling with Snake-Eyes Johnson (Public Enemy No 1) – except his girlfriend has lost him! Cue lots of madcap maritime antics, and a few cases of mistaken identity.
You won’t want to miss songs such as ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’, ‘You’re the Top’. ‘Friendship’ and of course ‘Anything Goes’ delivered with show-stopping dance routines and the Savoyards full singing and dancing chorus and a professional orchestra.
Evening shows are on October 24 and 25 at 7.30pm with weekend matinees at 2.30pm on October 26 and 27.
So enjoy a toe-tapping, laughter-filled evening, and find out whether there is any Hope for Billy, by calling the box office on 868000 or book via iw.observer/anything-goes.