Anything Goes (Youth Edition)

Bel Canto’s youth production of Anything Goes is one of the best productions you will see of this classic musical - despite being a slightly shortened version and the cast all being 18 years of age or under. A beautifully polished, well sung and superbly danced musical with outstanding production values, this is a treat to watch for audiences of all ages.

Director Blake Jenkins’ multi-level ship set design is second to none and expertly realised by John Taylor and is lit with style by Rp Van der Westhuizen and Justin Freind. Costumes, designed by Melissa Kelly, are simply magic – especially the numerous gowns and outfits worn by Hope Harcourt, Reno Sweeney, and The Angels.

Brodie Christie plays Reno Sweeney with sophistication, sass and maturity and brings a gorgeous voice to the role. Leading man Matt Ballantyne, blessed with matinee idol looks, has charm aplenty and sings and dances with skill. Zara Consen makes a lovely Hope Harcourt, playing the role with depth, while Nick Navarra shows great characterisation skills as her fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.

Jack Churchman is in his element as con artist and criminal Moonface Martin – stealing several scenes, with Rebecca Attwood, strong as his companion Erma. Mary Carter expertly embodies the role of Hope's mother Mrs Evangeline Harcourt, with Callum Blakemore giving a mature performance as her long-time friend Elisha J. Whitney.

Very solid performances from those in smaller roles including Kaelan Marinescu as the ship's captain, Anthony Jacobs as the minister, Matthew Holmes and Zara Lam as Luke and John, Lahni Hawley as the purser and Mary Scott as the deck stewardess. A strong ensemble of sailors and passengers work hard and performed beautifully throughout.

This young cast sing well under the music direction of Katherine and Justin Freind and the execution of Matilda Jenkins clever choreography is divine. Production numbers such as “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” were show stopping and their rendition of the title song with 12 actors tapping with excellent synchronisation is one of the best numbers of the year.

Blake Jenkins – still only 21 - is one of Perth’s best directors of his generation, and to pull off a show of this calibre with such a young cast simply must be seen to be believed. 

You'll struggle to see a tighter show anywhere this year. Anything Goes is a must see.

Kimberley Shaw