Midlands and Shropshire Am Dram guide

Based on a book by Guy Bolton and P G Wodehouse, the show debuted in 1934 at the Alvin Theatre on Broadway. Several revivals and two movie versions followed and Anything Goes still remains one of the most popular, best-loved musicals performed by amateurs. So popular, in fact, that it’s performed all over the world, by all cultures and societies.

I think that’s largely down to Cole Porter’s wonderful score, which includes I Get A Kick Out Of You, It’s De-Lovely, You’re The Top, Let’s Misbehave and, of course, one of the best, rip-roaring ensemble numbers in musical theatre, Blow Gabriel, Blow, as well as the title song.

Back in 1989, Elaine Paige, John Barrowman and Bernard Cribbins blew audiences away (pardon the pun!) in a West End revival which certainly helped to turn John into a star, with every audience member wishing they could tap dance.It’s won Olivier and Tony awards over the years and is guaranteed to delight.

Follow the adventures of stow-away, Billy Crocker as he follows the love of his life, American Heiress, Miss Hope Harcourt, as she sails away on an ocean liner from New York, bound for London with her mother, while her completely unsuitable fiancé, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, tries desperately to win her affections.

Meanwhile, on board ship, Billy bumps into an old flame, the nightclub singer Reno Sweeney as well as Public Enemy Number 13, Moonface Martin and together they assist Billy in his quest.

There’s comedy galore as well as glitz and glamour courtesy of Reno’s ‘Angels’ – the show girls who form her act – and a host of toe-tapping, finger clicking numbers to choose from.

In this production, Billy is played by Will Phipps and Hope by Abbie Sellick in her very first lead role, as is Megan Rai, who plays the role of Erma.

Look out for the exceptional vocal talents of Rachel Coleman as Reno and a great comedic performance by Dan Haddon as Sir Evelyn, as well as my Am Dram Star of the Week, Dom Napier, who stepped up to the mark to take over the role of Moonface Martin at short notice.

Anything Goes is the perfect feel-good musical with something for everyone.

l For tickets priced at £8-£15, visit www.willenhallmtc.co.uk, www.seaty.co.uk/anythinggoes or call 07757808036.

Willenhall MTC is not the only group performing Anything Goes locally. From April 27-29, you can catch Mad Cow’s production at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury too.

l For tickets priced at £12-£20, visit www.theatresevern.co.uk or call 01743 281281.

Studley Operatic Society, who I have not featured before, but perform at the Redditch Palace Theatre, is presenting something a little less light-hearted, but still extremely entertaining; Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, from April 25-29.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, who has a reputation for dark, dramatic musical theatre, Sweeney is critically acclaimed as one of his most powerful scores.

It follows the antics of the infamous homicidal Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, who returns to 19th century London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who coveted his young wife and had him falsely imprisoned so that he could pursue her.

Unfortunately, his customers bear the brunt of his anger as Sweeney begins to bump them off, one by one, while his accomplice, Mrs Lovett cheerfully fills per meat pies with their remains. I did warn you it wasn’t very light-hearted! Quite the opposite in fact . . .

Despite the gruesome storyline, the musical is full of dark drama, peppered with black comedy and includes A Little Priest, No Place Like London and The Ballad of Sweeney Todd. There’s also the beautiful number called Not While I’m Around, which Barbara Streisand famously sang to her son Jason Gould during one of her concerts, bringing a tear to every eye in the house. Have a listen to it – it’s beautiful.

I personally wouldn’t suggest you take the kids to this one, as there is some bloodshed, but obviously it’s at parental discretion.

l For tickets priced at £17-£16, call the box office on 01527 65203 or visit www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Trinity Musical Theatre Company, who perform at the Dormston Mill Theatre in Sedgley, is currently seeking new members to appear in their next production, Return to the Forbidden Planet, which they will be begin rehearsing on May 23 at St Columbus Church Hall, Finchfield, Wolverhampton.

This lively rock and roll sci-fi extravaganza needs a large chorus and so if you are interested in joining the group, email www.trinity-mtc.co.uk or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Trinity is also holding a musical theatre quiz night on April 29, starting at 7.30pm at Woodfield Sports and Society Club, Woodfield Ave, Wolverhampton.

Teams of up to six are welcome to go along and join in the fun and test their knowledge of musical theatre and film scores. It’s just £5 per ticket, with prizes to win and a late bar.

Again, visit the group’s website or Facebook page for more information.

Finally this week, Cloc Youth Theatre, is looking for young performers aged between 7-17 years old to join them for their autumn production, Godspell.

They are holding a launch evening on April 19 at St Marks Parish Centre, Bandywood Crescent, Kingstanding and all are welcome.

Based on the Gospel of Matthew, Godspell made quite a name for itself when it premiered in 1970, as some seriously religious opinion was expressed about the musical, but for me, it is simply an uplifting, unusual piece of theatre which I love.

l For further information, visit the group’s Facebook page or call 07990727355.

l Well that’s all for this week. Please send me all your news and good quality photographs to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk. Remember to include your Am Dram Stars of the Week too. Or you can also call me on 01902 319662 or follow me on Twitter @Alison Norton