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Fresh as ever, Guys & Dolls is a joyful night out with a magnificent cast and superb orchestra.
Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
One year after the debut of Nicholas Hytner’s immersive transformation of Guys & Dolls and on the eve of the show’s nine Olivier nominations, it embarks on its second year with a fresh cast, promising to keep the boat rocking through 2024, while maintaining its heart and soul.
Guys & Dolls, a musical fable of Broadway, is set in the vibrant world of 1950s New York. It is a tale of romance, gamblers and unforgettable songs. Frank Loesser‘s original score, with arrangements by Tom Brady, sounds rich and brilliant, breathing new life into timeless classics that have stood the test of time and yet somehow manage to sound better than ever.
Using a series of platform stages (set design by Bunny Christie), Hytner ingeniously promenades the standing audience directly into the heart of the action, mere inches away from the cast. The experience allows for small moments where you can take part in the show, greeting the appearance of characters as they make their way to the stage, or noticing the tiny pieces of extra dialogue always happening around. You are given a flyer from the Mission band parading through the audience and, in some new staging, a couple of willing audience members end up on stage. Platforms move from the craps game to the mission to Havana, with props and set decoration coming out from the sides and signs coming down from above. The versatility planned out here is amazing and the work to move not just the cast in and out but the tables and chairs of the set and various other props – all passing through the audience!
It’s not an entirely new cast; some familiar faces return. Owain Arthur, who briefly took over from Daniel Mays in 2023, now assumes the role of Nathan Detroit, showcasing his comic talents and huck-huck style. Timmika Ramsay steps in for Marisha Wallace, delivering a powerful performance while infusing her own interpretation into the role of Miss Adelaide. George Ioannides, who has been with the ensemble since the start, initially as an understudy for Sky Masterson but more recently assuming the role full-time, brings a suave charm – and nicely showcasing the production promoting internally. Celinde Schoenmaker stays as Sarah Brown, her sweet rendition of ‘If I Were a Bell’ becoming a highlight.
The casting, overseen by Charlotte Sutton, is consistently fabulous. Joining this season, Niall Buggy delivers a tender rendition of ‘More I Cannot Wish You’ with heartfelt emotion, while Cameron Johnson, continuing as Big Jule, elicits strong laughter and also offers sparkling support during ‘Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.’ Nicely-Nicely Johnson’s (Jonathan Andrew Hume) show-stopper itself is impeccably delivered with spectacular choreography. His plea to the musical director to do it again might be staged and might happen every night, but it is eagerly embraced by the audience keen to keep the boat rocking!
The show ends as ever with the stage bringing the cast down to the floor and the audience welcomed in for a dance and more than one selfie with the stars. It’s a joyful note to end on, with everyone pouring out with smiles on their faces. The new cast and slight changes make a return visit more than worthwhile and if you haven’t seen the show, now is the time. Fresh as ever Guys & Dolls is a joyful night out with a magnificent cast and superb orchestra. It is safe to say that Hytner and his team have captured lightning in a bottle – again.
Based on the story & characters by: Damon Runyon
Music & lyrics by: Frank Loesser
Book by: Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Choreographer: Arlene Phillips with James Cousins
Musical Supervisor & Arranger: Tom Brady
Set Designer: Bunny Christie
Casting Director: Charlotte Sutton CDG
Guys & Dolls plays at Bridge Theatre until 31 August.
Further information and tickets can be found here.
