Guys & Dolls

It gave me great personal pleasure to see Murton Theatre Group back in business with their first post pandemic production of “Guys and Dolls”.   It was lovely to see Murton, the group who first introduced me to the wonderful world of amateur theatre back on the stage with some new and some familiar faces alike.  More than a few hours notice of the invitation to attend would be useful for next time though!

Guys and Dolls is arguably one of the classics, lesser seen productions these days with many groups opting for the newer more modern musicals which are emerging.  It was nice to see one of the more classical musicals for a change.

Murton have also had a turbulent time in bringing the production to the stage with multiple last minute cast changes, administration issues and two musical directors, first Peter Foster then Robert Wilson Baker taking ill and being hospitalised on the 2nd night of the show!  Incredible scenes from Phil Noble on bass who stepped up to conduct the night I attended.  Well done and best wishes to both Peter and Robert for a speedy recovery.

New Director and Choreographer Helen Wilson did a sterling job of bringing the musical to life on stage with colourful lively scenes and staging bringing 1940s gangster NYC to East Durham college.  Set and backdrops created the scenes though scene changes did seem a little laborious but there were some large pieces for stage manager Joshua Baker and his team to negotiate.

Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide were played by Paul Henry and Katie Pugh respectively who both did well in their roles.  Sky Masterson was played by the very strong performer Matt Turnbull whose vocal ability was excellent accompanied by Ashleigh Bentham as Sarah Brown. 

Bringing up the “Guys” was Nick Thompson as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Phil Mezzo as Benny Southstreet and Em Harrison as Rusty Charlie whose rendition of Fugue for Tinhorns was really very good and played their parts well although some of Nicely-Nicely’s diction was lost due to in keeping with the character, Nick seemed to constantly have his mouth full!  Well done to you all.  It was also nice to see our immediate past President Gordon Richardson back on stage as Big Jule which was played with a vigour, accompanied by Brian Hardy as Harry the Horse and John Thompson as Joey Biltmore. 

The beautiful Bernadette Trotter, who never ever seems to age a day, was a delight on stage with wonderful singing and bright acting skills as Mimi and Carol Young made an impact as the sterner General Cartwright.  Martyn Banks played Arvide Abernathy and delighted me with his gorgeous tone of voice during “More I Cannot Wish You”, it was lovely Martyn.  

Huge well done to all of the other supporting characters on stage, too many to mention all individually, especially given the abundant number of hot box girls!

Musical Supervisor Suzanne Richardson really did make an impact with the strength of the vocal ability and the harmonies were clear to hear and well executed.  Well done Suzanne, your input really made a difference.

Well done to you all!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.