Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School senior students breathed fresh life into the 1930s musical Anything Goes this week, leading to standing ovations at their four performances.
The show was a winner on every level: singing, dancing, costumes, set, music... it was an extraordinary achievement for a school endeavour.
Students clearly threw themselves into the show with enthusiasm, with a cast over more than 50 on the stage at one time, as well as a dozen musicians, and smooth-running lighting and back room teams.
The three key players were stunning. Georgia Stone as the nightclub singer Reno was superb with faultless singing and dancing and huge on-stage charisma. Harry Elliott as the lovelorn Billy sang and danced his heart out, Eve Shanu-Wilson was lovely as Hope, again with a wonderful voice and dancing.
There was so much talent from the rest of the cast, too many for a roll-call, from Fraser Brown as the posh lord to Adam Cox as gangster Moonface to Hannah Green as the emotional matron to the cute little dog Bonnie... and more.
Cole Porter’s lyrics and music proved their endless appeal once again in this toe-tapping burst of energy, with the backing of a truly excellent orchestra.
The choreography was clever, from the elegant love dances to the jazz to the exciting energy of the full cast dancing in a small space, while the costumes were amazing – from the ballgowns to the whacky gypsy scene – and the stage set creatively conceived.
One left wondering how on earth the senior school has had time to get any other work done this term (they did, of course).
Altogether a wonderful achievement.
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