“Anything Goes” at the GOH Delivered Heart, Humour & Homegrown Pride

There is something uniquely special about walking into a show when you know the people on stage. The anticipation feels different. The stakes feel higher. And last night, as Anything Goes sailed into the Grand Opera House in Belfast, performed by St Agnes’ Choral Society, I was not just watching a production. I was watching friends, peers and artists I deeply admire absolutely shine. And shine they did.

From the very first moments, there is a warmth to this production that feels instantly inviting. St Agnes’ Choral Society has built a reputation over the years with standout productions like Come From Away, Calamity Jane, Young Frankenstein and Shrek, and what is clear here is that they understand their strengths and lean into them beautifully. This is a company that thrives in ensemble work, and Anything Goes gives them the perfect playground.

The opening moments ease you aboard the S.S. American, but it is during “There’s No Cure Like Travel” and especially “Bon Voyage” that you begin to feel the true heartbeat of the show. Then comes “It’s De Lovely” and the stunning “Friendship”, where the tone shifts into something more intimate and, for me, deeply personal.

“Friendship” stopped me in my tracks.

It transported me back to my own festival days performing the number alongside Catherine Dennison. Those memories are filled with laughter, nerves and that unmistakable magic of live performance. But it also carried a bittersweet edge. A dear friend of mine, Rose Marie, once performed this song memorably with Sue Pollard, and watching it here brought her so vividly to mind. I miss her terribly, and in that moment, theatre did what it does best. It connected past and present in the most beautiful and emotional way.

That is something this production does exceptionally well. It does not just entertain, it connects.

Vocally, the company is at its strongest in the big ensemble numbers. “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” is a standout, bursting with energy, precision and power, while the sailors’ sequence in “The Gypsy in Me” and “All Through the Night” showcases gorgeous harmonies that feel rich and full. There is a real sense of unity in these moments, the kind that only comes from a company that genuinely works well together.

And then, the tap. The “Anything Goes” finale to Act One is exactly what you want it to be. High energy, slick and utterly thrilling. The tap routine is a real showstopper, executed with confidence and flair, bringing the first half to a rousing and deserved close. It is one of those moments where you simply sit back and think, this is why we love musical theatre.

Now, to the performances.

Lorraine Jackson as Reno Sweeney commands the stage with confidence and charisma, delivering those iconic numbers with style and control. Allen Gordon’s Billy Crocker is full of charm and sincerity, and watching him, knowing his journey as a performer, filled me with immense pride. Aideen Fox brings elegance and warmth to Hope Harcourt, grounding the romantic storyline beautifully.

Martin McDowell’s Moonface Martin is a comic delight, while Ditanya McKinty as Evangeline Harcourt delivers sharp character work that lands perfectly. Tony Young as Evelyn Oakleigh is an absolute scene stealer, and his take on “The Gypsy in Me” is genuinely hilarious, a real highlight of the night.

Aoiffe White’s Erma brings great spark, while Paul Maguire’s Elisha adds further depth to the ensemble dynamic.

I have to give a special mention to Neal Mullen as the Ship’s Purser. This is a performance built on detail, precision and presence. I genuinely could not take my eyes off him whenever he was on stage. That level of characterisation is something special, and it deserves recognition.

What made the night even more impactful for me personally was this. I have worked with so many members of this cast. Sitting in that audience, I felt a mix of excitement, pride and, if I am being completely honest, just a touch of envy. Watching Allen, Aideen, Tony, Ditanya, Aimee, Gemma and Lauren up there, doing what they do so brilliantly, reminded me exactly why we fall in love with the stage in the first place.

This is not just a polished production. It is a passionate one.

Anything Goes is a show that lives and dies by its energy, its ensemble and its ability to transport an audience. St Agnes’ Choral Society does not just meet that challenge, they embrace it wholeheartedly. The result is a production that feels joyful, heartfelt and bursting with personality.

Whether you are coming to this show for the first time or you have seen it countless times before, there is something here for you. For newcomers, it is a dazzling introduction to a classic. For seasoned theatre lovers, it is a reminder of why this show has endured for generations.

Get over to GOH.co.uk to get tickets before it sets sail on Saturday 18th April 2026.

Images by Nicola McKee Photography