Guys & Dolls

In this PODS version of the iconic musical based on two stories by Damon Runyon, Matthew Owens and Victoria Annis directing their debut musical comedy, had the courage to explore some unusual influences resulting in a comic book style of production, which explained the garish bright suits, unusual backcloths and projections, and in the main this worked. Out of necessity rather than by design, several of the male roles were taken by ladies, which was a pity, but each was undertaken with full commitment.   You could not help however but enjoy the individual performances including the four main characters;  Steven Miller as Sky Masterson, Rachel Sampson as Sarah Brown, Paul Tapley as Nathan Detroit and Loren Howland as Miss Adelaide.

Following the opening ensemble number, Nicely Johnson (Owen Roberts), Rusty Charlie (Pete Hallett) and Harry the Horse ( Sean Phillips) pulled off an accomplished ‘Fugue for Tinhorns’ and their contributions throughout the show were excellent. Similarly, ‘The Oldest Established’ led by Nathan, Nicely and Benny (George Organ) was a great company number. Nathan is forever seeking a place for the crap game including the Biltmore Garage (good support from Lois Corless as Joey) and on his tracks is Lt Brannigan played with strength and conviction by Julie Parker.  Nathan’s long-suffering girlfriend Adelaide was very well played with good comedy timing by Loren, handling the difficult ‘Lament’ well, along with ‘Sue Me’ with Nathan in Act 2. Loren also led the Hot Box girls well and the Hot Box set was particular attractive.

To fulfil his bet with Nathan, to take Sarah Brown to Havana, Sky has to visit her at the Mission Hall and Steve and Rachel’s dialogue together is absorbing, she in the first instance stand-offish, but eventually drawn to Sky and their duet ‘I’ll Know’ is well sung. I particularly liked ‘If I Were a Bell’ by Rachel which was well handled, the transition into Steve’s ‘My Time of day’ and their duet ‘I’ve Never Been in Love before’. Suzie Tapley plays an endearing Avide and her ‘More I Cannot Wish For’ was quite touching. General Cartwright announces that the Mission is under threat of closure and Rachel Kent provides just the right touch in both explaining this and eventually congratulating the Mission’s success.

Two other highlights in Act 2 were the sequence into and the number ‘Luck be a Lady’ led by Nathan with Big Jule, well played by Sue Poultney, and the number itself very well led by Steve, together with ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat’ superbly sung by Owen; both good ensemble numbers.

The backstage team worked hard with scene changes, including the heavier pieces for the Mission Hall and Nightclub and as we have learned to expect, the band was well controlled by Andrew Hemming, with the sound taken down during dialogue and some solo numbers for the benefit of the audience, thank you. Congratulations to all involved and I look forward to ‘PODS Christmas Spectacular’ in December.

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