Anything Goes - Kilworth House Theatre Review

Review by Mark

Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.

There is nothing quite like a visit to Kilworth House Theatre for their West End-level productions in the leafy Leicestershire countryside. Here they once again deliver a high-quality production of Cole Porter's classic musical, Anything Goes.

The company of Anything Goes. Photo by Fox Corporate Photography.

Against the stunning backdrop of Kilworth’s stage in the woods, this dazzling new production delivers glitz, glamour, and high-energy showmanship as you set sail on a madcap tale on the S.S. American.

This harebrained musical comedy is a delightful whirlwind of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and high-seas hijinks. Director and choreographer Lee Proud returns to the venue, marshaling the same creative team behind past Kilworth triumphs like 42nd Street, Singin’ in the Rain, and Hairspray. The result is a well-paced, visually sumptuous voyage of romance and toe-tapping entertainment.

The production owes much of its success to its sublime cast, who navigate Porter’s witty lyrics and Proud's choreography with effortless charm. 

Emily-Mae is a natural in the role of Reno Sweeney, the evangelist-turned-nightclub-singer. Her clean, warm vocals anchor the show's title number with flair and stamina. Her stage presence and charm never dull. It's an enchanting performance. 

Richard Carson (Billy Crocker) and Emily-Mae (Reno Sweeney). Photo by Fox Corporate Photography

Richard Carson brings the perfect leading-man charm as Billy Crocker. The lovestruck stowaway rarely leaves the stage, and Carson's energy never dips. He conveys the hopeless romance and the comedy with real aplomb. Carson builds great on-stage relationships, particularly with Emily-Mae; their rendition of "You're The Top" is a highlight.

Megan Gardiner impresses as Hope Harcourt, delivering the role's sweet sophistication. Penelope Woodman hits all the right comedic notes as Hope's status-conscious, overbearing mother, Evangeline Harcourt, with dog in tow. Dougie Carter is a joy as Moonface Martin, injecting the perfect amount of lovable gangster mischief into the plots and disguises. Sophie Naglik is sultry and fiercely charismatic as Erma, commanding the stage and the ship's sailors every time she steps into the spotlight.

Tom Hopcroft practically steals the show as the eccentric Lord Evelyn Oakley. His hilarious, expertly timed performance has the audience in stitches, particularly when he unleashes the musical number "The Gypsy In Me". He also handles the heartfelt moments superbly.

Lee Proud and Emma Hunter's punchy choreography is a spectacle, especially once you arrive at the title number to close Act One. It's a full-out tap dance spectacle of a moment. Proud knows what works in the space and, once again, what he has created befits the material and delights the audience. 

Matching the performances is the fantastic live orchestra. Under the musical supervision and direction of Rick Coates, Cole Porter’s iconic, timeless score sounds rich and brassy. From the uplifting "I Get a Kick Out of You" to the roof-raising joy of "Blow, Gabriel, Blow", the music carries the production on a wave of pure nostalgia. The soundscape is further embellished by the crystal-clear sound design by Chris Whybrow.

Some may find the plot a little complicated with various subplots all popping off; the production does have the occasional dips in energy, but it more than keeps afloat. It may not be Kilworth's strongest production to date, but it's still an entertaining and enjoyable watch 

On the whole, it's a joyous, beautifully executed revival that proves, when it comes to classic musical comedy, Kilworth House Theatre still knows exactly how to deliver a first-class trip.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Anything Goes runs at Kilworth House Theatre until Sunday 2nd August 2026. For tickets and further information visit https://www.kilworthhouse.co.uk/kilworth-house-theatre/what-s-on/anything-goes/

The company. Photo by Fox Corporate Photography.