You don’t have to enjoy a drink at a below stage table to appreciate Urmston Musical Theatre’s production of Anything Goes, Cole Porter’s light-hearted tale of shipboard romance.

It is one of the best shows UMT have done involving perfect singing and dancing well choreographed by Rebecca Cooper-Bagnall. It’s a credit to Emma Harris, who is directing her first adult show since doing so for Urmston Juniors

On Board the SS America, romance is flourishing. Hope Harcourt, a beautiful and competent Lauren Massey is returning to England from America with the fiancé she doesn’t love, Adam Garnett’s Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. He sings The Gypsy in Me with panache.

Hope’s real romance take place in secret encounters with Billy Crocker (Matthew Roughley) who has smuggled himself aboard with gangster, Moonface Martin, ‘Public Enemy No 13’ (Bill Platt)

Lord Evelyn, in turn, is attracted to the star of the show Kathleen Valentine who plays Reno, a night club singer and evangelist. Her singing of Anything Goes sends shivers down your spine.

Both stowaways are performed well. Matthew Roughley sings that delicious tongue twisting song “It’s delightful,” to perfection along with Lauren Massey.

Other well known numbers include I get a Kick out of You, You’re the Tops and Bon Voyage.

The highlight has to be the tap dancing spectacular at the end of the first act.

Another spectacle is the superb ship with concealed rooms, designed by Alan Pickwick with input from the production and stage team.

I’ve never seen so many enchanting costumes involving such perfectly executed quick changes

A wonderful show!

Anything Goes is at the Poolside Theatre, Urmston Leisure Centre until Saturday, October 29 when there is also a matinee. For tickets, see umt.org.uk or telephone 0161 408 1288.

Star rating: * * * * *