“Chemistry?” “Yeah, chemistry!” The exchange between Sky Masterson (George Ioannides), unrepentant gambler, and Sgt Sarah Brown (Gina Beck, new to the role but absolutely making it her own) accurately depicts the rapport between the two actors who find that opposites really do attract in this Bridge production of Guys and Dolls by Nicholas Hytner.
It’s been in residence at the riverside venue since March 2023, with a groundbreaking concept of immersive audiences who stand and move with the action.
The stage hands rightly get their own bows at the end of the night after nearly three hours of marshalling the crowds and ensuring their safety while platforms are raised and lowered and props are set up in the middle of the floor space.
I chose to sit again (my 3rd visit, first in stalls DD, then stalls AA premier seats – by far the best to see every nuance of Bunny Christie’s set and Paule Constable’s lighting design plus the band – now stalls C at the side).
From my vantage point I could see set-ups, reactions, routines from a very different perspective this time. It’s a fascinating watch.
It’s a fascinating show to either experience for the first time, or revisit, if you can. My companion for this show was a first-timer, who found the whole show and its ideas ‘fabulous’.
Aside from the technical planning that must have gone into this, the choreography (Arlene Phillips) is stellar, and the ensemble is superb (just listen to those melodies on “The Oldest Established” and “Luck Be A Lady”, before we even mention the movement in “Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat”, which even got Michael Simkins (as the new Arvide at the Save the Souls Mission). joining in the fun by the end).
The songs by Frank Loesser are all cast-iron classics. They drive the plot along while defining the characters through solos, duets (“I’ve Never Been In Love Before”), and group numbers.
At the Hot Box, where Timmika Ramsay’s Miss Adelaide perfrorms with her girls, you get two powerhouse and exhausting songs, which give a new meaning to the words ‘shimmie’ and ‘sing out’. Even an audience member gets a special surprise that made his glasses steam up.
Audiences on the floor get a chance to ‘be in the show’, whether sitting at tables just after the interval, or popping up randomly in the title number – YouTuber Mickey Jo Theatre as the “lazy slob” who gets “a good steady job” was hilarious last night.
This kind of immersive production gives a new meaning to ‘up close and personal’, but if you are seated, you are equally near enough to see expressions and really feel part of the streets of New York or in the midst of the wild abandon of Havana.
Miss Adelaide’s long term fiance is Nathan Detroit (Owain Arthur), who runs the city’s crap game, and he still doesn’t feel ready to make that final commitment.
Arthur has settled into the role with ease since I last saw the show in March 2024, and his singing in “Sue Me” is as much a joy as his attempts to outwit Sky Masterson at gambling over at Mindy’s.
Ioannides and Beck really convince in every scene together, from their first meeting over whether the quote on the board is Proverbs or Isaiah (“you read the Bible 12 times?” “why, what’s wrong with the Bible?”), to the bells and Barcardi in Cuba.
You won’t want to miss Beck’s duet with Ramsay, “Marry The Man Today,” either. Sadly cut from the film version, this allows these two characters to develop a conspiratorial rapport that leads to the inevitable happy ending.
A long-time favourite musical of mine, this production of Guys and Dolls is just tip-top from start to finish, and with the interval entertainment and the lively cast bows, there really is something for everyone.
You have until 4 Jan 2025 to see it, and you won’t see anything else like it in town.
“More I Cannot Wish You” than to wish you see this show before it packs up. Look around for the best ticket deals and find out more here.
*****