 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
Guys and Dolls
Bridge Theatre, London
★★★★★
Some musicals are up there in your favourites for different reasons, Guys and Dolls is up there for me as one of my favourite more "classic" shows but nothing had me prepared for stepping into the Bridge Theatre for this immersive version.
This production starts from the moment you enter the auditorium, especially if you pick to stand for the show in the stalls. You are greeted by Bunny Christie's set design paired with lighting design by Paule Constable which transports you to a new world, complete with neon signs above your head and Front of House Actors who are selling their wares which include hats, hot dogs and pretzels. You are welcome to interact with these sellers and they do a fantastic job of getting you in the mood for the show, as well as giving hints of the best places to stand for the show as they are also the people who move around the stage areas so you don't end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Christie has also designed the costumes with Deborah Andrews which are also excellent a perfect mix of of the time the show is set alongside something that would be acceptable out in the "real world" in this time
Nicholas Hytner directs this production and has done an excellent job of putting the show in such a way that it, like the people in the stalls standing, moves around the stage with effortless energy and the choreography has been created by the iconic Arlene Philips and James Cousins and was absolutely glorious, there is something happening everywhere you look however I may never look at a carrot the same way again.
 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
Moving on to the cast, they were phenomenal no other word for them. The talent on that movable stage was through the roof and the joy of this show is that you are literally right in with it all, which is truly an honour. From ensemble to "principles" this cast are so hard working and if I wasn't already stood up, I would have given them the world's largest standing ovation.
To name a few of my favourites would be difficult. Katy Secombe was an excellent Good Time Charlie, never switching off the charm and charisma even in the interval where she has a key part in the interval performance. She engaged with everyone and anyone which was a joy to see. Cameron Johnson was a fantastic Big Jule, both in stature and talent, and it was a joy to see him perform again after previously seeing him in different shows last year. Cedric Neal as Nicely Nicely Johnson was the perfect person for the role. I have previously said that Cedric could sing the phone book and I would buy a ticket and that is still one thousand per cent true, his performance of Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat had everyone in the palm of his hand...truly electric.
 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
Celinde Schoenmaker and Andrew Richardson play our first pair of loves Sarah and Sky. They are the classic hate to love story, with Sky being bet he can't take Sarah to Havana only for them to fall in love with each other and I truly enjoyed Celinde and Andrew's chemistry through their story arc especially through song with my favourite moment being their duet I've Never Been in Love Before which was literally stunning to watch and hear. Our "more experienced couple" Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide, played by the brilliant Daniel Mays and Marisha Wallace, brilliantly played the couple who have been engaged for over ten years but still deeply in love, even if it's caused Miss Adelaide to develop a cold.
It was a joy and honour and a pleasure to watch the entire cast perform up close and personal and I'm definitely considering a return visit before the run is over. I would one hundred per cent recommend buying a ticket to this amazing production before it closes on the 2nd September 2023.
Post a Comment