Express & Echo – September 17, 2010
Performance was worthy of West End

RAPTUROUS applause after the West End-worthy performance of I Get a Kick Out of You, announced the start of Cole Porter’s timeless classic, Anything Goes, in the packed Barnfield Theatre.

The production, performed by the Exeter Musical Society, tells the madcap tale of a stowaway broker’s quest for love. His pursuits result in a series of mistaken identities, romantic encounters and rousing songs, all on board an ocean liner. Based on the book by P G Wodehouse and Guy Bolton, the play was peppered with witty one-liners, plenty of outrageous accents and a very well-behaved dog.

The star of the show was clearly the fantastic Lyn Burgoyne, who plays Reno Sweeny, whose voice instantly absorbed the whole theatre. An excellent rendition of The Gypsy In Me by Martin J. Kingston was preceded by Blow Gabriel Blow, a dazzling array of sequins, mirror balls and sultry sax notes, which again gave Mrs Burgoyne a chance to show off her fabulous voice. Everything, from the slick choreography to the sterling cast to the feel good feeling on exiting the theatre, acts a stark reminder of why Government spending cuts should not affect local arts.

A definite must-see for an evening of sheer entertainment. There is still time to see the musical, which is on tonight at 7.30 and tomorrow at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the Barnfield Theatre. Tickets, at £13 (£10 conc), are available on the door.
Liam Curtis