Since the return of live shows after lockdowns I've made it my mission to try and see as many performances at the Bristol Hippodrome as possible. I've managed to see many of my favourites as the tours have stopped off in the city, from childhood favourites like the The Lion King to musical theatre classics like Hairspray.
However, Anything Goes was something different for me as I had no prior knowledge of the musical, which depicts unpredictable happenings aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London in the 1930's. But, going in with no idea of what to expect was exciting.
The cast of the Bristol show, features huge names including (but not limited to): Kerry Ellis, Denis Lawson, Simon Callow and Bonnie Langford. Speaking to Bristol Live previously the cast promised the show would deliver nothing but enjoyment, calling it a "a wonderful tonic in a dark time".
READ MORE: Bristol Hippodrome's Anything Goes call it "a wonderful tonic in a dark time"
The classic show is jam packed with the best elements of theatre, including not only incredible acting and impressive vocals; but tap dancing and a live orchestra as well as elements of comedy. I was certainly excited and prepared to enjoy myself and I did just that.
The crowd roared with laughter, audibly gasped and the impressive vocals and couldn't have their claps silenced after the stunning musicals numbers were performed. Anything Goes is easily one of the best shows I've ever seen.
You could have convinced me that the S.S Great Britain had been taken from the harbour and placed on to the hippodrome stage. The props and staging was impeccable, even the stars and moon projections looked realistic. The changes from each scene were immaculate and made you feel as though you too were aboard the S.S American.
Each character was hilarious in their own way and even the smallest additions to the cast, the toy dogs, evoked big belly laughs. The characters were carefully crafter in that their chemistry was beautiful to watch, we were all simply mesmerised by the scenes of slow dancing under the stars.
At any point, I couldn't tell you where the story was goes next as truly 'Anything Goes' but I was absolutely transfixed. The show didn't allow you a minute to be bored or for your mind to wander.
Each cast member made you love them for a different reason, whether it was Evangeline Harcourt's hilarious dramatics, Erma's impressive confidence or Billy Crockers mindless infatuation. However it was Kerry Ellis' excellent performance as the brilliant Reno Sweeney that I still can't stop thinking about it.
Her vocals were completely mind-blowing, as well as her ability to command the stage. Her confidence and charm let us know she was made for this. She carried the show and left us all in awe.
I still can't wrap my head around the brilliance of the casts performance of the lead song 'Anything Goes' which was the epitome of fun and easily the best live musical song performance I have ever seen. Most impressive was Ellis' smooth transition from what I believe was an eight minute tap performance to flawless vocals without even sounding slightly breathless.
The show was so impressive, I felt privileged to be able to witness such brilliance. And Kerry Ellis has truly left me speechless, I'm convinced that her and I can't have the same type of lungs!
