Review Roundup: ANYTHING GOES Starring Sutton Foster- See What the Critics Are Saying!

Reviews are rolling in for the West End revival of Anything Goes, starring two-time Tony Award winner, Sutton Foster as Reno Sweeney, Tony and Olivier winner Robert Lindsay as Moonface Martin, Felicity Kendal as Evangeline Harcourt and Gary Wilmot as Elisha Whitney.

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, the original book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse, and the new book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman, Anything Goes will premiere at the Barbican Theatre from July to October 31 and then embark on a UK tour.

When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love... proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, a comical disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. This hilarious musical romp across the Atlantic featuring a collection of some of theatre's most memorable songs - including 'I Get A Kick Out of You', 'Anything Goes', 'You're the Top', 'Blow, Gabriel, Blow', 'It's De-Lovely', 'Friendship' and 'Buddie Beware' - will take you back to the Golden Age of high society on the seas. Anything Goes is set to sail away with audiences all over again.

William J Connolly, BroadwayWorld: Sure, this is a tale that most in attendance have probably encountered before, but it doesn't matter. This feels like opening night all over again. The charm of this musical and the pace of its story leaves you desperate to book again. And there's nobody with greater charm than a certain Ms. Foster.

Marianka Swain, The Telegraph: "At the climax of this utterly joyful musical, one that made us feel, for the first time in many months, that all was right with the world, my mother turned to me with happy tears in her eyes and said, "Well, that's the show of the year." And she's absolutely right. I would give it six stars if I could."

Alex Wood, WhatsOnStage: "Back now for a major revival at the Barbican (one of few large-scale shows announced, planned, marketed, cast and rehearsed during the pandemic), director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall (returning to the show after bagging a Tony Award for reviving it on Broadway in 2011), crams the two-hour ride with cheesy, feel-good moments: this is vintage stage magic at its most explosively joyous."

Douglas Mayo, BritishTheatre: Headed by a true Broadway star in the form of the one and only Sutton Foster, it was as though Christmas had arrived early. Foster was an absolute delight as she powered through some of the greatest musical comedy numbers ever written. No laugh was lost, gags were shared and her comradery with the British cast was quickly bringing smiles to the audience.

Nick Curtis, Evening Standard: Kathleen Marshall's direction and choreography are supremely polished. Derek McLane's set gives us lots of chrome and white-painted painted naval steel, plus sumptuous art deco interiors. Costume designer Jon Morrell swathes Foster in ravishing silk and ensures everyone looks fabulous, including the sailors. Surrender is the only option.

Lyndsey Winship, The Guardian: The main thing to know is there's Sutton Foster, the US actor already won a Tony for her performance as Reno Sweeney on Broadway. The show revolves around her full-beam lustre. She can belt and growl like a brassy broad (Ethel Merman originated the role) or let her voice ring pure and clear. She can play moments of vulnerability but most of all she's just having fun, rattling out dance numbers, leading the chorus, getting a kick out of the show, just as she does out of young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker (Samuel Edwards) who unfortunately has eyes for another.

Chris Omaweng, London Theatre 1: Foster, 46 years young at the time of writing, glides across the stage with the energy of a dancer half her age, and Kathleen Marshall's sparkling choreography allows the large cast to provide the kind of big song-and-dance numbers West End and Broadway audiences adore.

Greg Stewart, Theatre Weekly: Sutton Foster sails through the big song and dance routines, making every step look completely effortless. Foster's 'Blow, Gabriel, Blow' is just one stand-out in what is a truly fabulous performance, and one that London theatre goers will undoubtedly be talking about for some time.

Andrzej Lukowski, Time Out London: And imported Broadway star Sutton Foster effortlessly steals every scene as Reno with a devastating mix of raw talent - she is very much the proverbial triple-threat - and sheer, gutbusting effort. Plus she's very funny, aided by some smart interventions made by director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall - reprising her slick 2011 Broadway production - that up Reno's knowingness: Foster's arsenal of fourth-wall-breaking smirks, eyerolls and sighs provide virtual running commentary on the rest of the action.

Clive Davis, The Times: Kathleen Marshall's revival of Cole Porter's vintage show comes at just the right time. A musical that delighted audiences during the Great Depression returns to cheer us up as we emerge from the rigours of lockdown. The ticket prices for this production might have made even a 1930s wheeler-dealer blink - the best seats are going for well over £100 - but this is one occasion when the Barbican's grim concrete ramparts cannot dampen your spirits.

For more information visit: AnythingGoesMusical.co.uk.