“Anything Goes is a show that epitomises the glamour of the 1930s with an iconic score of classic Cole Porter hits and a wonderfully witty storyline,” Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre director Samuel Foster explains.
So you what can you expect at Abingdon’s Amey Theatre from March 28-30? An all-singing-all-dancing production that raises the roof with musical highlights that include You’re the Top, Blow, Gabriel Blow, All Through The Night, Friendship and of course Anything Goes.
Set on an ocean liner bound from New York to London, it features Billy Crocker – a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is already engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy Number 13, “Moonface” Martin, aid Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart.
join a fun filled romp aboard the SS American in this iconic, heart warming, high energy and downright hilarious production of Porter Cole’s 1930’s romcom
Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre is part of Oxfordshire County Music Service in Barton, with over 40 members aged 14-18, from all over Oxfordshire taking part in the classic musical who have been rehearsing since October.
So what have been the highlights so far? “Anything Goes is a choreographers dream, with the fantastic score providing a wide range of dance styles. Getting over 40 young people tap dancing together and performing ballroom classics has been a challenge but their talent belies their young ages,” OYMT choreographer Jo Wilkinson says.
many former members now enjoy successful professional careers in West End musicals such as Rock of Ages and Wicked
“The company has worked incredibly hard to fully capture the glitz and glamour of the 1930s and bring it to the Abingdon stage and the audience will be amazed at the standard of performance while being drawn in by the magnetism of this young cast.”
So what is Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre? “We aim to encourage the highest standards in music theatre where our teens can learn to express themselves in their own unique and individual ways, so we look for shows that provide as many opportunities as possible for our company to develop their skills,” Samuel adds.
‘OYMT has really helped my confidence as well as improving my skills. It’s hard work but so rewarding’
14 year-old Izzy Jenkins-Komene who plays one of the school girls in the ensemble explains: “I’m so glad I joined OYMT! I love going to rehearsals every week, and while I’m really quite shy, this group has been so welcoming and inclusive that it’s really helped my confidence as well as improving my skills. It’s hard work but so rewarding. it’s so much fun!”
And with many former members now enjoying successful professional careers in West End musicals such as Rock of Ages and Wicked, it’s obviously working!
So if you’re free this Easter weekend, join a fun filled romp aboard the SS American in this iconic, heart warming, high energy and downright hilarious production of Porter Cole’s 1930’s romcom, in this popular, crowd-pleasing musical.
Anything Goes runs at The Amey Theatre from March 28-20. Tickets here https://www.abingdon.org.uk/sports-and-leisure/performance/anything-goes/
