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Review: Guys and Dolls, Exeter Northcott Theatre

Summary

Rating

Excellent

A hugely fun and energetic production of the Broadway classic which showcases the incredible talent that exists in this university musical society. Just the kind of tonic we all need!

The transition of Damon Runyon’s short stories into one of the most successful stage musicals ever is a triumph of skill, foresight and artifice. 75 years since it first appeared on Broadway, Guys and Dolls retains a freshness, an originality and a charm which a number of more modern musicals lack and it is no wonder it remains a favourite.

Popular it may be, but it is a challenging piece to stage; multiple scenes, lengthy ‘ballet’ sequences, a plethora of songs, all add to a long list of hills to climb. Exeter University’s Footlights production confronts these matters head on and delivers a hugely enjoyable, wonderfully performed show which illustrates the enormous pool of talent that exists on the campus.

Throughout, the standard of singing, dancing and acting is hugely impressive. In many productions, the dance sequences (such as the Crap Game Dance in Act Two) are cut for want of male dancers, but all these are carried off successfully through skilful choreography from Sasha Crosby. She has pushed the performers, but never beyond their capabilities, resulting in vibrant production numbers which work a treat. Bearing in mind that there is no huge budget available, the sets work well and the transitions from one to another are generally seamless. There are more than a few costumes required with this cast of twenty and, again, they are well thought through: maybe a little more colour in the Havana scene would have added extra vibrancy.

The central four characters are roles to be grabbed with both hands and this quartet do just that. Oisin Maguire’s Nathan Detroit has a wonderful level of lovable incompetence and bluster – I couldn’t help thinking of Oliver Hardy. He is matched perfectly by Emma Kennedy who gives Adelaide a beautifully touching vulnerability, but with a steely determination. Their love for each other is unmistakable. Zoe Burton is a feisty Sarah Brown with the voice of an angel and her resistance/submission to the charms of Sky are completely believable. As Masterson, Sam Williams is outstanding – cool, calm, collected and in control until he falls for Sarah. His singing voice is beautifully moderated and he exudes a likeable confidence.

Mackenzie Gilmore has huge fun as Nicely-Nicely and his rendition of the iconic ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat’ doesn’t disappoint. Jazlynn Aspin adds a splendidly antagonistic (and frustrated) Lieutenant Brannigan and there is a delightfully touching performance from Zachary Wainwright as Arvide, whose portrayal of a much older character is spot on.

Throughout, the Hotbox Girls, Mission Band and the Crap Shooters give great energy to every minute of the show and serve the score and lyrics of Frank Loesser alongside Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows’ book really well.

A 21-piece band is a big band and they bang out the wonderful score with pizazz under the excellent direction of Henry Bersey. With an ensemble of that size you need a good sound engineer and in Joel Sawyer you have someone who knows exactly how to balance vocals and instruments – it’s brilliant work. 

At times, some of the lighting is a little erratic and the reliance on follow spots may make matters tricky, but there is time for this to be sorted for subsequent performances.

As mentioned, Guys and Dolls is not straightforward or easy to stage, very far from it, but Director Lizzy Thistlethwayte and Producer Millie Koplick have pulled it off in this happy, lively and splendidly performed production by a wonderfully talented team. It is a hugely uplifting tonic which maybe is something we could all do with from time to time. 


Music & Lyrics by: Frank Loesser
Book by: Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows
Produced by: Millie Koplick
Directed by: Lizzy Thistlethwayte
Musical Direction by: Henry Bersey
Choreography by: Sasha Crosby
Sound Design by: Joel Sawyer
Lighting Design by: James Sadler
Costume Design by: Beth Williams
Set Design by: Ophelia Mills

Guys and Dolls plays at Exeter Northcott Theatre until 25 January. Further information and booking details can be found here.

Cormac Richards

Based in Devon in SW England, Cormac has been involved in theatre in some way for over 50 years and is a seasoned reviewer in the region. His love of theatre is also demonstrated in his own writing, both of plays and new articles. A slow runner, poor gardener and cricket enthusiast he also runs an online shop with a stock of several thousand stage scripts!

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