Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls
Performed by: Weston Super-Mare Operatic Society
Venue: The Weston Playhouse Theatre
Music and Lyrics by: Frank Loesser
Book by: Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Directed by: Leah Farmer
Choreography by: Samantha Aylott
Co-Musical Directors: Rob Tilke and Matt Tilke.
Noda Rep: Mike Purnell
Date: 19th September 2025

This show will be 75 years old in November, and judging by WOS’s last few
productions, tonight was going to be fresh as though it was written far more
recently. Yep - I was right. Thanks Ken Coles for the lovely welcome and
interval drink. Much appreciated.
It looked pretty full in the stalls from what I could see, and I will say there was
quite a buzz in the audience. Isn’t it great to think this show can still pull in an
audience. I did see the recent revival in London, which was a very immersive
production where the audience walked around the set as the show was
happening. I chose to sit and I must admit I found it quite distracting seeing
the audience herded from one scene to another, so there was something
quite comforting about sitting in my stalls seat without any distractions.
From the word go our attention was grabbed by the volume of the overture,
for me this was a good thing. Quite often of late I’ve gone to a musical and
the sound starts off so low and builds slowly from there, but not tonight. You
hit us between the eyes. I must say I think this was the best sound I’ve heard
in a while. Not one late mic or interference and for me the balance was
perfect. Well done Seventh Wave Audio Ltd. Nailed it.
The opening choreography was extremely tight and suited every cast
member and set the bar high for the rest of the show. Straight away the
colours of the costumes, the movement, and that incredible video wall just
grabbed our attention. From then on you had us in the palm of your hand.
The Fugue showcased the clever lyrics and witty banter and well done boys
the harmonies were great.
Each character had a great entrance and were very clear cut. The set with its
staircase and rostra gave us many levels and helped keep the pace going at
a great speed. You need this for Guys and Dolls. Although it’s not overly long
I’ve felt it can just go on a bit, nothing to do with the production just the way
it’s written, but it’s packed with great numbers and clever witty dialogue so
not a lot you can do about that.

The video projections were probably the best ones I’ve seen in any show to

be honest, and I really appreciated how this rocked it along. Well done Will
Taylor on the graphic design.
The costumes were a feast for the eyes and I fancied all fitted brilliantly too.
Triple C came up trumps alongside all the society who probably begged
borrowed and stole. I’m sure Janet and Karen had their work cut out for them
too. Wigs too were mostly good and well dressed. I must say Adelaide’s
looked stunning and suited her so well.
What truly made this production shine was its heart. It was delivered with joy,
dedication and love for this show. We were swept up in the story, laughing,
cheering and even tearing up at the tender moments. Congratulations on yet
another fabulous production.
Musical Directors ( Rob Tilke and Matt Tilke)
As soon as I saw the line up for this orchestra I knew this section was going
to be great. I was not wrong. Together you brought the score to life with
precision and flair and a deep understanding of the shows classic style. From
the swing of “Sit Down your Rockin’ The Boat” to “I’ve Never Been In Love
Before” each number was beautifully led. The orchestra was tight and the
cast sang with clarity and emotion, a strong sign of musical leadership.
The balance was perfect although a big sound coming from the pit we never
missed any lyric or dialogue. Cues were tight and harmonies came across
excellently. This was a brilliant collaboration, hats off to you boys.
Choreography (Samantha Aylott)
Your choreography was a true highlight in this production. Each number was
bursting with energy, style and storytelling. You are so clever in your teaching
as you made it feel fresh and yet kept true to the classic spirit of the show.
There was such enthusiasm which started from the word go with the
overture. It set the tone for the entire performance. This was a brilliant job
from start to finish with so many highlights. Great work Sam.

Sky Masterson
I do enjoy seeing you on stage and did feel this was something a bit different
for you. You managed to balance cool confidence with some emotional
depth. You certainly had us rooting for you, not just because of the oodles of
charm, but how you grew and changed with the role. “Luck Be a Lady” was
one of the many stand out moments of the show delivering us a great vocal.
You brought fun, style, humour and heart to the show.

Sarah Brown

What a great role for you. You knew just how to show us the serious side to

her wanting to help people do the right thing. I loved how the show
progressed and we saw the softer side develop especially when falling for Mr.
Masterson’s charms. You certainly played a good drunk. Not easy and I’ve
seen it done very badly, the Havana scene was very funny and well timed but
the “Marry the Man Today” between you and Adelaide was just top notch
class. The fall at the end had me laugh out loud. Just brilliant.
“I’ll know” and “If I Were a Bell” really showed off your quality singing voice.

Nathan Detroit
This has got to be one of the most entertaining and loveable characters to
portray. You made him deeply likeable and showed us great comedic timing
and warmth. Although he’s flawed, you gave us lots of personality and
brought plenty of laughs and energy to every scene you were in. I really
believed in your long standing relationship with Adelaide. Brilliant timing
between you both which was captured in “Sue Me” perfectly.

Miss Adelaide
This is the part most women would kill for. You grabbed this with both hands
and completely aced it. It really was a stand out performance. From your first
entrance you captured Adelaide’s bubbly charm, comic timing and emotional
depth with ease. You played the over exaggerated expressions with just the
right amount of flair and was never overdone. You delivered “Adelaide’s
Lament with impressive control and clarity. It felt fresh and heartfelt. Great
chemistry with Nathan creating a believable and touching relationship that
really does anchor the shows core. Overall a joy to watch.

Nicely Nicely
How great to see a refreshing twist on this classic role giving us a
performance that was both familiar and delightfully unexpected. Rather than
relying entirely on slapstick or caricature you gave us a quiet confidence and
warmth that I felt made your loyalty to Nathan seem more sincere. Your
comic timing was still sharp and vocals to die for! “Sit Down Your Rocking
The Boat” was without doubt a stand out moment, with great storytelling you
deserved the encores. Great personal touch that made your performance
memorable.

Benny Southstreet
From your first entrance you brought a great energy and charm to Benny,
making him funny and loveable. Your chemistry with Nicely worked brilliantly
and made every moment entertaining. You sang with clarity and confidence.
A nice polished performance which kept us smiling.

Rusty Charlie
Well, Rusty Charlie maybe a minor character among the colourful ensemble
of gamblers, but you certainly made your mark right from your first entrance.
Your delivery “Fugue for Tinhorns” alongside Nicely Nicely and Benny was
crisp, harmonious and full of personality. Your chemistry with the other
gamblers was natural and engaging. Good job

Arvide Abernathy
With all the hustle and bustle of this show you brought a refreshing calm and
heartfelt sincerity to this role. Your interactions with Sarah were tender and
believable, but it was your rendition of “More I Can not Wish You” that truly
stole our hearts, delivered with plenty of emotion and clear crisp vocals. A
good reminder that sometimes the most powerful performances come from
the quietest voices.

Director (Leah Farmer)
This was certainly a vibrant production of Guys and Dolls. You masterfully
gave us innovation and tradition delivering a show that felt both refreshingly
new and comfortingly familiar. Your vision gave us bold contemporary energy
to the New York streets whilst still honouring the golden age charm that we
expect from this beloved musical. The use of projection I thought was genius.
It made everything clear and crisp and moved the action on perfectly.
You really put your own stamp on this show with nuanced portrayals and
clever visual storytelling and maintaining its heart. A great evenings
entertainment which I could tell everyone around me totally enjoyed.
Congratulations.
Thanks once again for the warm welcome
Wishing you all the best
Mike

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