Ian Cheeseman enjoys a dazzling evening of toe-tapping spectacle, sparkling humour and standout performances as Stockport Operatic Society delivers a high-energy triumph with Anything Goes at the iconic Stockport Plaza.
Anyone who has seen the musical Anything Goes knows that it’s a high-energy show, featuring the spectacular title song as a showstopping tap-dancing finale to the first act. Stockport Operatic Society’s latest production, staged at the wonderful Stockport Plaza, didn’t disappoint. The dancing was faultless, despite the large numbers on stage. Every performer exuded energy and perfect timing – a real treat for the eyes.
To be honest, I hadn’t expected anything less, because the Society never disappoints. What really impressed me this time, however, was the comic timing of the excellent main cast, directed by Seb Lassandro – who also played Moonface Martin. I’d seen him take on the same role previously with Dukinfield Operatic and Dramatic Society, but he was even better this time around.
Kate Longden as Reno Sweeney performed like a seasoned professional, no doubt thanks to her extensive experience in amateur dramatics. She sang beautifully, as did Hannah Phillips as Hope Harcourt. I’m fairly sure I was sitting among the family and friends of Daniel Hickman, who played Billy Crocker – their whoops and cheers were well deserved. Hickman’s performance captured Billy’s vulnerability and romantic charm perfectly.
I’ve seen several versions of Anything Goes – from the recent professional touring production starring Kerry Ellis, Bonnie Langford and Simon Callow to amateur shows across the region – but I found myself appreciating the comedy in this version more than ever.
I had previously interviewed Tom Kershaw-Green for my radio show Break-a-Leg, but that hadn’t prepared me for his brilliant comic timing on stage. His portrayal of Lord Evelyn Oakleigh stole the show for me. His CV in the glossy programme revealed a clear leaning towards comic roles, and it was easy to see why – he truly excels in them.
Emma Konnanov, who played Erma (a role she said she modelled on Betty Boo), was also outstanding, as were Frank Dean as Elisha Whitney and, of course, Seb Lassandro’s Moonface Martin. Together they balanced and elevated the show’s comedy beautifully.
During the interval, I got chatting to one of the Plaza’s always smart, black-tied stewards, who turned out to be the husband of Carol Ackers – the actress playing Evangeline Harcourt. He told me she’d been involved in amateur dramatics for decades, and I later read she was also the production secretary. I’d met her briefly at a rehearsal, where she was every bit as charming as her husband. Her portrayal of Evangeline revealed both her character’s altruistic side and her natural gift for comedy.
This was a wonderful production from a talented and ambitious society. I left the Stockport Plaza smiling – which is exactly what a show like this is meant to do. The audience enjoyed two hours of pure, joyful escapism. I can’t wait to see what Stockport Operatic Society does next.
Anything Goes is at the Stockport Plaza until 25 October 2025.