Guys & Dolls

This must be one of the best examples of the proverbial quart into a pint pot. Guys and Dolls is a big show and the stage at this theatre is small. However the company managed to squeeze it all in. The production team should be complimented as the action was well paced and the big production numbers of ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’ and ‘Luck be a Lady’ were expertly staged and choreographed. The cleverly designed set was also a big help in ensuring that the flow was maintained. At no time did the pit ensemble intrude and the singers were well supported. This is particularly impressive when radio- mics are not used and every word could be heard.

Theo Lyonette made an impressive debut as Sky Masterson and his character was a good contrast with that of the local gambler(Nathan Detroit) well played by Dave Crump. The cameo role of Miss Adelaide was in the capable hands of Debbie Crump and Rosie Coles as Sarah Brown showed us what a fine actress she is. ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’ is not an easy start to a show but Dave Crump, Demetri Wade (Benny Southstreet) and Walt Keeper (Nicely-Nicely) combined well to get things off to a good start. Walt also effectively fronted the company in the stirring ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’. In addition to the solos, the duets between Adelaide and Nathan and Sarah and Sky were well delivered. I also liked the often underplayed rendering of ‘More I Cannot Wish You’ by Meirion Buck (Arvide). It is vital with a small company that there are no ‘passengers’ and here everyone pulled their weight as evidenced by all the supporting characters including the Hot Box Girls and Crapshooters. I thought that the glossary of terms in the programme was a good idea. Well done to everyone!

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