Christchurch Music Society's former chairman and president, Ernest (Nobby) Fuller sadly passed away this year so for me, it wasn't without sadness that I took my familiar seat, for their latest production, Anything Goes.

In true tradition, the show really did go on, and once again the true spirit of friendship and community, of which he was always so proud, shone through.

Their standard of performance never ceases to amaze me, and this production team of director Rhys Bebb along with Bethan Ballam as musical director supported by Bryn Middleton and Ellen Routley brought out the best in a talented cast.

This is a glamorous, over-sized extravaganza of a musical which premiered in the heart of the depression of the 30s, and Cole Porter's classics, I Get a Kick Out of You, You're the Top, It's De-Lovely and of course Anything Goes were given the full treatment by an extremely well-rehearsed cast and chorus.

Kate Summers was resplendent as the blousy Reno Sweeney , a highlight being her memorable rendition of Blow Gabriel Blow whilst Matt McCabe brought sophistication and excess to the role of businessman Elisha Whitney.

Leanne Clarke grows with every performance, and she brought purity and innocence to her role as Hope Harcourt.

The escapist plot is bursting with humour which includes farce and even slap-stick, and the hilarious duo of Bryn Middleton ( Billy) and Pete Routley( Moonface Martin) exploited this to the full.

Up-beat and full of cheer, this was a very successful nod to a by-gone era. I look forward to the next one.