By Sandra Carter

Cruising is rarely as much fun as this transatlantic crossing in the luxury liner SS American. Song, dance, lovers crossed, gangsters idolised, and never a dull melody-free moment.

Anything Goes was created in 1934 as a stage musical, and here on its 80th anniversary UK tour it certainly retains its ability to put smiles on faces and get feet a-tapping.

Some of Cole Porter’s songs never lose their appeal. We begin with I Get a Kick Out of You, beautifully sung by Debbie Durup (playing Reno), who gives star singing and dancing performances with huge energy throughout.

Nostalgic memories keep popping up for older members of the audience when we reach You’re the Top (they don’t write lyrics like that any more), It’s De-Lovely (ditto) and Anything Goes.

It’s hard to highlight any one of the large cast playing sailors, callgirls and passengers, as the singing and dancing are superb and beautifully choreographed.

Each has a long list of stage and TV credits and the professionalism shines through. Kate Anthony, best known as Auntie Pam in Coronation Street plus many other TV roles, plays Evangeline in a characteristically spirited style.

A wonderful moment is when a dance routine resembles synchronised swimming.

The set and lighting are brilliant, evoking the luxury of 1930s art deco liners, with swift addition of features to take us from deck to diner to jail cell. The orchestra provide superb backup.

Unusually, it’s worth arriving in your seat early, as the stage curtain is up, drinkers are at the bar and a pianist and saxophonist play delightful cocktail bar music.

I’m told the UK tour of Anything Goes has had to be shortened because of an “unpredictable touring market”, but for a nearly-full house at The Swan on Tuesday, this was a fine nostalgia trip.

Anything Goes continues at Wycombe Swan until Saturday May 23. Visit www.wycombeswan.co.uk for tickets and information.