Guys & Dolls

BillBoard Ensemble's latest production "Guys & Dolls", revolves around 'Sarah Brown’, a devout member of the local Salvation Army in New York, superbly played by Ceri Goodwin, who is lured into falling in love with high rolling gambler 'Sky Masterson’, who only dates Sarah for a bet. Sky was played, in true character, by Michael Bennett.
Equally sharing the billing was the long suffering 'Miss Adelaide’, played by the enthusiastic and bubbly Nia Collier, who has been engaged for 14 years to 'Nathan Detroit’, a local gambling organiser played by Alyn Johnson.
Other noticeable roles came from Daniel Parker as 'Nicely-Nicely Johnson', his sidekick 'Benny Southwest’, played by Thomas Walton, director Jonathan Coombs, as 'Harry the Horse’, and Tony Burnell as the hugely popular villain 'Big Jule’.
Pam O' Donnell fitted the bill easily as 'General Cartwright' of the Salvation Army, while newcomer Phil Reston, showed his acting skills as 'Arvide Abernathy', and his singing voice with the lovely 'More I Cannot Wish You’.
BillBoard Ensemble has always had a wealth of talent behind the principals and for this show produced an even bigger men's chorus which had the audience swaying and clapping along with gusto.
Nick Preen delivered as 'Lt. Brannigan', whilst Gareth Hurman played both 'Rusty Charlie' and 'Joey Biltmore’. Pete Thompson as 'Master of Ceremonies', and Maria Barnfield as the comical 'Agatha', should also receive a mention.
No musical is complete without its dance numbers and BillBoard's bevy of beautiful dancers, choreographed by Nicola Boyd-Anderson, added icing to the cake. The shows chorus was choreographed by Lois Banks.
Fabulous themed costumes, impressive sets and a superb orchestra, led by Musical Director Emma Arscott, all complimented BillBoard Ensemble's talented cast, from principals to chorus alike, making this show one with a truly professional feel from a very talented amateur company.

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