The multi—award winning musical, Anything Goes, is sailing into Aylesbury next week.

Anything Goes tells the story of Billy Crocker (Matt Rawle), who discovers that his heart’s desire, debutante heiress Hope Harcourt (Zoe Rainey) is engaged to an English aristocrat. He stows away aboard the S.S. American to try and win her back. Aided by a string of eccentric passengers on board the luxurious transatlantic liner, can this web of love be untangled before they reach Southampton?

The sensational star cast, made up of 26 talented performers, also includes Benidorm star Hugh Sachs as Moonface Martin, Jane Wymark from Midsomer Murders as Evangeline Harcourt and actress Debbie Kurup as Reno Sweeney.

Debbie, 35, is a seasoned theatre star, having performed in the West End as Nicky Marron in The Bodyguard and as Velma Kelly in Chicago.

Now, she’s taking on a very different character in the form of Reno Sweeney.

“Reno is an evangelist and a nightclub singer. She’s very spiritual. She’s a great character to play and I have so much fun doing it.

“I met up with the director, Daniel Evans to talk about the role and when I read the script, it was so delicious, it’s touching and heart-warming and I just wanted to be a part of it. Reno is a force to be reckoned with, I just couldn’t say no.”

The music of Cole Porter, the iconic composer and songwriter, features heavily throughout the energetic show, including the magnificent songs I Get a Kick Out of You, You’re the Top, It’s De-Lovely and Anything Goes.

Debbie is adamant that everyone can enjoy the show, even if they don’t know the ‘genius’ Cole Porter.

“The show is high energy, full of laughter, clapping, dancing and full of the genius that is Cole Porter. His music is very highly respected, and even if you’ve never seen Anything Goes before, I can guarantee you will have heard some of his songs. It’s a very traditional show with traditional songs that everyone will love.

“There are so many amazing moments because it’s just a great show, but I have to say, I really do enjoy the big number, ‘Anything Goes’. We do a nine minute song and dance routine which is really special. It’s a cliché but it’s such a wild, high energy fun moment. It’s wonderful.”

The show has now begun its national tour, with the first show opening at The New Wimbledon Theatre on January 29. The show will continue onto Aylesbury before making its way around the rest of the country.

“Touring is very full on. It’s a ten month tour all over the UK. I haven’t done it for a very long time, the last time I went on tour was in 2002. It’s hard work but it was a hell of a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to getting back into it and I can’t wait to travel the country again.

“The audience reactions make touring even more special, I love that.”

The 26-strong cast of performers have become close after working long hours rehearsing together. 

Debbie said: “We really get on very well. It’s probably a cliché to say it but I think it’s the best company I have ever worked with. It’s the friendliest, warmest company I've ever worked with and I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such warm-hearted people.”

Having performed in front of live audiences hundreds of times throughout her career, what is it that keeps the Olivier Award-nominated actress coming back to the stage?

Debbie admits she likes the control that actors have on stage, compared with being on a TV set.

“I love the control you have with theatre. As a stage performer, you’re in complete control when you step out on that stage. The way you perform can be different every night if you choose it to be.

“There’s absolutely nothing like the buzz of a live theatre audience. The audience’s reaction is instantaneous and that’s what I really love about theatre.”

Debbie’s love of performing stems from an early age and she admits that she couldn’t wait to get back on the stage to dance again. 

“I've wanted perform on stage since I was really young. I remember watching Michael Jackson on TV when I was about three and being totally mesmerised by him. It really made me want to perform, dance and sing. I started out as a dancer. I haven’t danced for so long so I'm really excited to be able to do it again on this tour.”

The star is adamant that everyone who goes to see Anything Goes will come out with a smile on their face.

She said: “If you want to have an evening of uplifting, joyous entertainment, come along and join in the fun because we have so much of it during the show.

“The audience always love every minute of it. The story and the songs will touch you on a deep level because it’s a very special production. You really shouldn’t miss this one!”

Anything Goes comes to the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 9 to 14 February. Tickets are priced between £15.90 and £54.90, available online at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or by calling the box office on 0844 871 7607.