Guys and Dolls [Junior]

Monmouth School. Has done it again, with this superb production of “Guys and Dolls Junior” held at Monmouth Comprehensive School Hall.

From start to finish, the energy that this young school cast achieves captures the interest of the audience and creates a new and exciting atmosphere well above the expectations of a junior show.

I felt totally in awe of the timing, the movements and the control with each change of scene that was achieved, with one of the biggest Casts I have ever seen. There was not one member of this huge Cast that did not give 100% attention to the individual parts they played. With the excellent choreography they were all totally involved, and I congratulate them all for their very professional attitudes. They were outstanding.

My greatest respect also for the very supportive production team that came under the titles of Staff Creative Team and Student Creative Team. Your obvious hard work and dedication could plainly be seen in action.

It must be very difficult to choose the principal players from such a talented group of young people and all principles should be very proud to have been chosen

Tomi North as Sky Masterson gave a superb performance capturing the character with every movement and facial expression. He performed “With Style” and was with every movement the confident trickster with a heart. A great rendition of “Luck be a lady”. This young performer makes the stage his own. A true Sinatra.

A very good casting with Kitty Adams as Sarah Brown. The slightly naughty but terribly nice love interest with a feisty side to her character. An excellent musical number with Sarah and Sky as they performed “I’ll Know” and a lovely delivery of the song “If I were a bell”

Well done to Elvie Pilkinton as the grandfather. Never easy to switch gender and maintain the character.

An excellent performance by Naia Price-Brown in the iconic role of Adelaide. Great characterisation, with a superb accent, so important with this role. Naia showed great facial expression body movement and a superb rendition of “Bushel and a Peck”. The audience loved this performance. Very well done.

An outstanding performance was given by Harvey Brown as Nicely Nicely Johnson.

Outstanding characterisation with great confidence and totally fearless. Just perfect for the role. “Sit down You’re Rockin the Boat” brought the house down, as it should. Perfect casting. Very well done.

I must say a sincere word of praise for all supporting characters

Sunny Mouton as Nathan Detroit, Hamish Sparring as Benny Southstreet, Alistair chalk as Rusty Charlie, Lucas Beard as Harry the Horse, Jessica Mander as General Cartwright, Elliot Appleton as Lieutenant Brannigan, Jonny Finlay as Big Jule, Rufus Haythornthwaite as Angie The Ox, Evie Roberts as Mimi, Laurence Regan as Liver Lips Louis, Aled Phillips as Society Max, Lucinda Sperring as Lookout and Phillip Scot as Master of Ceremonies.

You all maintained a pace and drive throughout the show with excellent characterisation, and great comic timing.

This was a superb production that gave everyone on stage a chance to shine and you certainly did.

My congratulations to you all on a performance to be proud of. I look forward to your next production. BRAVO

Dianne Hayes NODA Wales and Ireland Regional Representative District 7

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