AS a musical theatre star it can’t get much better than landing a spot in ‘Anything Goes’.

With the original book co-written by P.G Wodehouse and music and lyrics crafted by Cole Porter it’s a screwball comedy caper set to some of the most memorable musical numbers of all time.

There have been many productions since its 1934 inception, with the original Broadway production starring Ethel Merman, and this latest Sheffield Theatres tour must rank amongst one of its finest revivals.

Pitching up at Liverpool Empire Theatre as part of its ten-month regional tour, the cast sing, tap and swing their way through such favourites as ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’, ‘You’re The Top’ and ‘It’s De-Lovely’.  

Set aboard the ocean liner S.S American, stowaway Billy Crocker sets his sights on winning the heart of debutante heiress Hope Harcourt who is already engaged to a hapless English aristocrat, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.

Aided by his friends, evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin, plus a host of elaborate disguises and tap-dancing sailors, Billy does all he can to win his love before the luxurious liner docks in Southampton.

Slickly directed by Daniel Evans, this production pulls out all the stops to bring the sassy dialogue, show-stopping songs and dizzying dance routines vividly to life.

Debbie Kurup as smart, sexy Reno Sweeney brings the house down with her boundless energy, searing vocals and pitch-perfect New York accent.

Stephen Matthews as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh is a triumph; his bumbling English aristocrat is a comic tour-de-force and his exuberant second-half number ‘The Gypsy In Me’ is a true joy to behold.

And fans of the ITV series Benidorm may recognise actor Hugh Sachs who plays second-rate gangster Moonface Martin with real verve and aplomb.

The whole ensemble is sleekly choreographed and in-sync with one another and they appear to be having the time of their lives and they dance up a storm across the stunningly devised set.

Every detail has been carefully thought out, down to the perfect cut of the thirties sailor suits and sensational, shimmering evening gowns.

Even the lighting has been beautifully crafted to create a tapestry of colour that perfectly enhances the joyous mood and tone of the scenes.

I can’t think of a more flawless musical production I have had the pleasure of seeing, nor one that saw me literally singing and dancing my way out of the theatre.

Do yourself a favour and book on board the S.S American while you can for an uplifting musical voyage of song, dance, romance and laughter.

Five stars out of five *****

Anything Goes  is at Liverpool Empire Theatre from Monday 16 - Saturday 21 March and at Manchester Opera House from Tuesday 7 - Saturday 18 April. For more information www.atgtickets.com/shows/anything-goes