Guys and Dolls review: ‘An ingenious production’

Photographs credited to Johan Persson

With stunning tunes such as Luck Be a Lady and Marry The Man Today, a show like Guys and Dolls really can’t go wrong!

The show follows Nathan Detroit as he tries to organise a Crap Game in New York. Falling short of the £1,000 he needs to secure a venue, he bets gambler and ‘sinner’ Sky Masterson that he won’t be able to persuade Mission Sergeant Sarah Brown to go to Havana with him.

Of course, Sky accepts. But what he doesn’t bet on is falling in love with Sarah Brown. Meanwhile, Nathan’s fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide, is left wondering how long she’ll really have to wait before she will become Mrs Detroit.

The set, designed by Peter McKintosh is absolutely breathtaking – simple and non-cluttered, yet constantly changing to reflect various locations. The audience is taken from the streets of New York to a bar in Havana, allowing the story to flow realistically.

For me, the best parts of the show come during the big chorus numbers, in particular the dance numbers. Choreographers Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright have done an incredible job of incorporating dance into the show. At no point does it feel like ‘ooh, here’s some dancers dancing’ – the movement absolutely tells a story and is so intricately choreographed I wish I could go to see the show a few more times to be able to take more of it in!

The direction of the four main principles seems slightly strange. Sometimes it is a little pantomimic, yet other times almost understated. Director Gordon Greenberg had a tough job to compete with the stars of the well known film version, though I felt slightly disappointed by all four principles. Both Richard Fleeshman and Maxwell Caulfield (Sky and Nathan, respectively) don’t command the stage with the kind of sex appeal and charisma that the roles require, leaving me to wonder whether sweet Mission worker Sarah Brown (played nicely by Anna O’Byrne) would really fall for his charms. Lucy Jane Adcock plays an incredibly irritating Adelaide, though gains a few laughs from the audience.

The stand-out stars of this production are undoubtedly Jack Edwards (Nicely-Nicely Johnson) and Mark Sangster (Benny Southstreet). The double act add comedy throughout, and every time they come onstage the energy in the room is boosted (Edwards’ beaming smile is enough to light up the room). Jack Edwards’ performance of Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat is absolutely flawless and, again, the vibrant and clever choreography is breathtaking. I almost thought there was going to be a standing ovation right in the middle of the show! And, honestly, that number really deserves it.

Guys and Dolls is an incredibly feel-good, lively show with some amazing musical numbers. If you’re looking for a fun night out, then this show is definitely for you.

The show runs until Saturday 28th May. Book your tickets now!