Theatre - Anything Goes, Youth Onstage, Palace Theatre

10:25am Monday 14th July 2008

THIS Cole Porter musical set aboard the SS American saw the six-year-old Birmingham-based company Youth Onstage negotiating choppy financial waters, but with the determination and talent to survive.

Having to switch from the Old Rep, which is being refurbished, cost them 30 per cent of their normal audience, which is why a collection was made at the door after each performance.

But people who stayed loyal certainly got their money's worth with the energetic cast, aged between eight and 18, performing superbly.

James Hudson acted well in the role of the gangster, and there were excellent performances from Matt McNulty (Billy Crocker), Kitty Campbell (Hope Harcourt) and Hannah Brook (Bonnie), with a dash of cracking comedy from Alick Draper (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh).

However, 16-year-old Gemma Hudson stole the show.

She played night club singer Reno Sweeney with real style, particularly in the hit number Blow, Gabriel, Blow.

Expect to see some of these exciting youngsters on the professional stage in the future.

Paul Marston

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