IT’S full steam ahead for actors and singers at Monmouth Comprehensive School this week, as they board an ocean liner to perform Cole Porter’s 1934 hit musical Anything Goes.

The show is the first public theatre performance in the school’s brand new building.

Set aboard the SS American, where nightclub singer and evangelist Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England, the plot involves her pal Billy Crocker, who has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt.

The problem is that Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.

Joining this love triangle are Public Enemy No 13, Moonface Martin, and his sidekick-in-crime Erma.

With the help of some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and good old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Martin join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart.

Monmouth Comprehsive School spokesperson,Wendy Baker, said: “Students have been rehearsing for three months to showcase this wonderful show which, following their sell out and highly acclaimed production of Made in Dagenham last year, is set to continue in the same way.

“The production, directed by head of drama Amy Pearce, features Years Seven to 13 students in many roles and facets of the production team, and is set to entertain audiences who will experience the theatre in their brand new school for the first time.

“The show features classic musical numbers Anything Goes, Friendship, You’re the Top and Blow Gabriel Blow with lots of tap dancing, singing and razzle dazzle.

“Ella Young and Annie Porter take the lead role of Reno Sweeney, and Josh Francis the lead of Billy Crocker.

“Dominic Hodgson is Elisha Whitney, Ryan Trigg is Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, Zoe Greenway is Mrs Evangeline Harcourt, Bethany Piper and India Harris play Hope Harcourt, Cassie De St Croix is Moonface Martin, with Alicia McLachlan and Piper Whittington as Erma, and Jack Davies as the captain.”

The show runs from tonight (Wednesday, January 16) to Saturday (January 19), with performances at 7pm plus a Saturday matinée at 2pm.

Tickets are available for all shows except Saturday night. They can be purchased at www.ticketsource.co.uk/monmouth-comprehensive-school or bought on the door, subject to availability.