Guys and Dolls

Synopsis

A musical fable of Broadway. Based on story and characters by Damon Runyon. Book written in 1950. A Salvation Army officer, Sister Sarah, attempts to save the souls of the New York gamblers. "Luck be a Lady", "I've Never Been in Love Before", "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat"

Our Review:

Anne Morley-Priestman - 1 May 2010

Regional theatres have a proud history of mounting first-rate musical shows on minimal budgets. Some of them even host world premières – the New Wolsey in Ipswich and the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch come to mind. But, the annual pantomime apart, it’s some years since the Arts Theatre in Cambridge staged a home-grown professional production of a full-scale musical.

Guys and Dolls is the logical successor to 2008’s semi-professional production of Anything Goes and last year’s My Fair Lady. Musical director James Dunsmore sets the tone from the first note with his scaled-down orchestra of 12 woodwind, brass and percussion players as Nick Bagnall whirls the opportunist street-wise gamblers and double-dealers of Runyan’s New York onto Nicky Bunch’s angled and flexible set.

This is one of those shows where the minor characters make as much impact as do the principals. Choreographer [Danielle Manfroi...

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Latest User Review

Claire lewis - 30 April 2010:

Lively vibrant production with some fine performances especially from Adelaide and Nicely Nicely. Choreography was fresh and used the space well. An excellent orchestra complemented the action, although the sound balance needs adjustment. Lighting was atmospheric but a little dark in places. It is a " must see show" and easily compares with the same show at the national theatre. " sit down you are rocking the boat" was truly outstanding!...

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