Anything Goes
25 August 2021
Barbican Theatre
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
I was a bit hesitant to book Anything Goes, as older musicals don’t always hold up very well for modern audiences. Having premiered in 1934, I was worried it would be a bit old-timey and problematic, but a friend talked me into giving it a go and I am very glad I did!
This musical comedy surprised me with witty plot lines, compelling characters, and brilliant evergreen songs. Despite being over 90 years old, it didn’t seem antiquated at all but surprisingly fresh and very funny.
Taking place in the post-wall street crash era of financial uncertainty, a host of colourful characters end up on a cruise ship travelling to New England. A nightclub singer, a debutant, a wall street broker, several greats of the criminal underworld, and a British aristocrat lead to blackmail, misunderstandings, comical hijinks and of course plenty of tap dancing!
What a fun show, I can definitely see why it’s still lauded as one of the evergreen classics.