Anything Goes: The Musical

[sandyRoe]

A while ago it opened in the West End to great reviews. I noticed a film version of that production is available on BBC iPlayer.

[Buenchico]

Thanks for pointing that out, Sandy. (If you meant to post a question though, you've forgotten to ask it!).

The programme was hidden away on BBC Four on 22 January but, as you point out, it's still available on iPlayer. (I might well give it a watch if I can ever find the time!)

Recently I found myself thinking back to the days when, once a Whitehall farce (with Brian Rix inevitably losing his trousers) came to the end of its run, it was then shown on BBC TV. I wished that a similar policy could be applied to current West End shows but, as most of them now go out on tour once their time in London has come to an end, I could understand why it doesn't usually happen. (Even so, it would still be possible for the stage productions to be shown on TV at the end of their touring seasons). So it's good to know that at least some shows are still able to transfer from stage to the small screen.

[Barsel]

It's not the same though is it?
Watching a show at the theatre is far better than watching it at home on the tele.

[Buenchico]

^^^ Agreed, Barsel, but with a ticket to a West End musical perhaps costing £80 and a return rail ticket to London costing about £50 from here, plus allowing perhaps an extra £20 for a fairly basic meal and a drink, that's £150 expenditure (plus other costs, such as a programme), that's at least £300 for two people to see the show.

Not everyone can afford that, so the option to see it on TV would still be useful for many people (including me!).

BTW: As Anything Goes came from the pen of P G Wodehouse (with Guy Bolton), before being adapted by Cole Porter (and others), I'll take this opportunity to recommend this DVD to any Wodehouse fans here. (Used ones are available from £4.16). Of all the DVDs I've got, this is the one which has been played by far the greatest number of times. It's an absolute delight!
Amazon.com User Recommendation

[jno]

Barsel, telly has subtitles. I can really only go to the theatre if I sit in the front few rows. I know actors are supposed to be able to project their voices, but my hearing is rubbish and I really can't pick up what they're saying from any distance.

[barry1010]

My local theatre often has one performance of a run with projected subtitles and sometimes a BSL performer. Great idea for those who need this assistance

[mushroom25]

I'll probably have to get me coat..... but.....

....when I saw the title, I had a vision of people in pixie hats ordering on the skating vicar.......