Cole Porter’s dazzling musical masterpiece, Anything Goes, at Kilworth House Theatre’s unique outdoor stage.

I had previously visited Kilworth House Hotel at Christmas for an entertaining evening in its magnificent Victorian Orangery, celebrating the music, chat and humour of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. through three popular tribute performers.

For Anything Goes, I decided to enjoy the pre-show dining, in the Orangery at the beautiful Kilworth House Hotel, before making my way down to the theatre. The Orangery is a superb space, with intricate stained-glass windows, wrought-iron roof finials, and a striking original black-and-white mosaic floor. Recently refurbished inside and out, the setting looked stunning and was a delightful space in which to enjoy a wonderful meal, with plenty of natural light and clear views across the open Leicestershire countryside. Alternatively, I could have brought a picnic basket and dined outdoors on the lawns or benches, soaking up the sunshine with a drink before the show.

Starters: Chicken Liver Parfait, Caramelised Red Onion Marmalade, Aged Balsamic Reduction & Toasted Brioche.

Rich, deep savoury flavours contrasted by the sweet, sharp, sticky features of the marmalade. The chicken liver parfait provided a silky, ultra-smooth, and buttery taste. A tasty starter when spread on to the small, toasted brioche.

Hot Smoked Salmon with Melon & Feta Salad: Mint -Infused Chimichurri and a Crisp Savoury cracker.

A wonderful balance of flavours producing a rich, sweet, slightly salty taste in every single bite. A beautifully tasting starter dish to begin my meal.

Mains: Pan – Fried Fillet of Seabass. Mediterranean Vegetable Sauce, Parmentier Potatoes & Lemon oil.

The Seabass had a crispy, savoury skin, and delicate flavour of a tender, mild, buttery white flesh. A delightful fish dish which compliments the flavours of the vegetable sauce and lemon oil.

My Dish of the Day: Mains: Aubergine Parmigiana.

Layers of Grilled Aubergine Baked with Sweet Herbs, Rich Tomato Sauce & Plant – based cheese on the top. The rich tomato sauce was simply terrific with a crispy top layer of aubergine & cheese plus fresh Cavolero nero, wild rocket leaves & crunchy green beans. Simply Awesome!

Desserts:

Mandarin Cheesecake & Fresh Exotic Fruit Fricassee.

A rich cheesecake of sweet & tangy flavours, featuring a thick creamy vanilla-cheese filling, bright citrus mandarin flavours, and a small scoop of vibrant, tropical fruit. A delicious dish to finish a superb meal. I absolutely loved it!

Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart with Torched Meringue.

A luxurious dessert with a topping of rich chocolate, sticky salted caramel, and a smoky torched meringue. A mix of deep cocoa bitterness, buttery sweetness, a sharp salty pop, and a light, marshmallow-like finish. The whole dessert dish looked terrific with the torched meringue looking like liquid creme, until I tapped it with my spoon. A delicious dish to finish a superb meal.

Every dish I tried was excellent, and I have to admit I sampled some of my wife’s meal too. Everything was beautifully cooked and professionally presented. After dinner, my wife & I decided to walk the short distance to the theatre, though we could have taken advantage of the free golf cart service, which was taking theatregoers from the hotel down to the venue.

Kilworth’s remarkable outdoor theatre is one of its most significant features, staging West End-standard productions in the open air. The theatre seats 550 guests in padded, tiered rows, giving everyone a clear view of the stage. Striking sail-like canopies protect both performers and audience members from the weather. During my visit, a pigeon had even nested among the stage lights, high above the impressive SS American ocean liner stage set. I was briefly concerned for the actors below, but the bird seemed unfazed by the loud music, singing, and movement on stage. Nearby, the Staging Post, an authentic log cabin beside the theatre, provides private hospitality, while bar and toilet facilities are located behind the stage.

I didn`t really know too much about Cole Porter`s musical, Anything Goes, but I was very much looking forward to checking out the unique open – air auditorium, Kilworth House Theatre, set up on the estate, in amongst a small glade of trees, next to a small lake.

What I was not expecting was an excellent West End quality performance, in a beautiful natural setting, with comfortable seating and clear views of the whole stage, with musical accompaniment, provided by a small orchestra, at the left side of the stage, in what looked like a plastic polytunnel. The organisation is very good, with lots of smiling volunteers, directing traffic, checking tickets or renting out blankets, if needed, for a small charitable donation, should the temperature turn a little chilly. I was mightily impressed with all I that I experienced, as I was not expecting the high level of professionalism and quality of facilities, that I saw at the Kilworth House Theatre.

Despite not being familiar with the musical, I quickly grew to appreciate the first-class level of performances, by the large troupe of actors. This is West – End & Broadway quality theatre, in a fantastic rural setting at rural Leicestershire prices. Anything Goes opened on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre in 1934, and in 1936 Paramount pictures released a film version, starring Ethel Merman as Reno and the legendary Bing Crosby as Billy Crocker. In 1989 actress Elaine Paige alongside lyricist Tim Rice a Broadway revival to the West End with Elaine taking on the role of Reno, later replaced by Louise Gold.

In this production, West End actress and Barnsley-born Emily-Mae steals the show with a breathtaking performance as Rico Sweeney. Her impressive theatre credits include Hamilton, Disney’s Frozen and City of Angels in the West End. The large cast is equally accomplished, but Emily-Mae’s stage presence, dynamic charisma and sultry vocals make her stand out whenever she appears. Richard Carson is also excellent as Billy Crocker, bringing strong vocals, undeniable dance ability and natural charm to the role. With his own extensive West End credits, including Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia! and Wicked, he proves the perfect partner for Emily-Mae.

The SS American stage set was stunning, with several levels that allowed the large troupe of actors and dancers to move freely. A central revolving turntable added flexibility, transforming the space into cruise ship bedrooms, a drinks bar, a prison cell and other locations. At times, the show moved at a frantic pace, with characters constantly entering and exiting, switching identities and slamming doors. The action was so busy that it was occasionally difficult to follow everything happening on stage.

The highlight for me was the tap sequence at the end of the first act, performed to the iconic title number “Anything Goes”. Its speed, energy and precision, combined with the music, brought the act to a thrilling close and left me eager for the second half. The choreography by Lee Proud, with Emma Hunter, was exceptional throughout and deserves high praise. Other standout moments included Tom Hopcraft as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, whose witty duet with Emily-Mae had the audience laughing throughout. With the crowd tapping their feet and humming along to classic numbers such as “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “You’re the Top”, this was musical theatre at its most joyful, proving why Anything Goes remains such an enduring classic.

This production of Anything Goes, is simply outstanding, whether you decide to make an evening of it or plump for an overnight stay at the hotel, this is certainly one of the highlights of the summer theatre calendar.

If you are a musical theatre lover or just wanting to see this classic for the first time, you’re in for a treat. If you love musical theatre, if you want to experience open -air theatre, check out the Kilworth House Theatre and grab yourself a ticket, today.

Time is running out, because Anything Goes, is at the Kilworth House Theatre until this Sunday 2nd August 2026!

Why not treat yourself to Pre-Theatre Dining or Stay the night? Enjoy a lavish three-course meal in our beautiful Victorian Orangery before heading to the Theatre to enjoy the show.

Pre-Theatre Dining starts from: 1200hrs for Matinee Performances or 1700hrs for Evening Performances. Or make your visit to Kilworth that little bit more special with a Theatre Break. Available Wednesday – Sunday inclusive of 3 Course Pre-Theatre Dinner served in the Hotel, 2 tickets for the show and Bed and Breakfast in a Garden Room.

What was there not to enjoy?

Anything Goes, is at the Kilworth House Theatre until Sunday 2nd August 2026.

Photos credit: Fox Corporate Photography