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★★★★★
If there is a West End show that you absolutely have to see before the end of 2024, it is Nicholas Hytner’s immersive production of ‘Guys & Dolls’ at the Bridge Theatre. It has been wowing audiences since March 2023 and with the departure of Celinde Schoenmaker on maternity leave, Gina Beck (‘South Pacific’, ‘The Sound of Music’ and more) has recently taken over the role of Sarah Brown. Gina is joined by fellow new cast member Michael Simkins who is playing Arvide Abernathy. ‘Guys and Dolls’ was first devised in 1950, but the memorable score and the creativity of this new production makes the show feel contemporary and modern, breathing new life into the source material. This week London Box Office kindly invited me to review the production and see the new cast in action, which was my first time experiencing the show from the immersive standing area.
Imaginative set design
For those unfamiliar with the story, it focuses on a couple of New York City gamblers, Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson, and their pursuits for love alongside aspirations to win big on ‘crap games’ and notorious gambling schemes. Consequently Bunny Christie’s set has been designed to reflect the city during this era. It is made up of impressive rising platforms and neon signs, which collectively make up the ‘Hot Box’ and a variety of downtown locations.
The seating at the Bridge Theatre surrounds the stage and the venue offers immersive tickets where the audience can become part of the action, choosing to stand for the duration of the production and watch the events from the floor. Guided around the moving platforms by ushers in era-appropriate outfits, over the course of 2 hours 50 minutes spectators can experience one of the best views in the house, see the mechanics of the production from a whole different perspective and also join the cast for a celebratory dance at the end.
Supportive lighting design
Too often productions rely on flashing and intense lighting effects, which when used excessively can become uncomfortable for audiences. What I adored about Paule Constable’s creative choices for ‘Guys and Dolls’ is the way the lighting supports the neon signage, complementing the recreated bright lights of New York and choosing to fill the stage with colourful hues at specific moments. It is subtle and tasteful, working in harmony with the rest of the production elements.
Dazzling cast performances
Timmika Ramsay is the star of the show as Miss Adelaide: a tremendous triple threat, bringing exceptional vocals, exquisite dance skills and so much personality to the character. Dame Arlene Phillips and James Cousins’ complex choreography looks easy to the performer, who radiates stage presence throughout the dance steps. Additionally, Gina Beck is also wonderful as the conflicted Sister Sarah Brown, with their note-perfect vocals adding a sense of endearment to the innocent but conflicted character.
A special mention has to go to Pierce Rogan who was covering the role of Sky Masterson at our performance. Their suave and effortless portrayal of the character was an absolute delight to watch, none more so than in the exhilarating ‘Luck Be A Lady’.
Musical highlight
It honestly doesn’t get much better than Jonathan Andrew Hume’s performance of ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat’ as Nicely-Nicely Johnson. I could have listened to the collective vocals and watched the brilliantly timed choreography on repeat, with Tom Brady’s musical arrangement turning the number into the most joyous moment of the show. I was so relieved to see it performed again in the finale, helping to bookend an incredible night of musical theatre.
One of the most exciting musicals in the West End
This production of ‘Guys & Dolls’ is proof that you can take a classic musical and retain the heart and soul of the material, whilst at the same time push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of set design. London Box Office has lots of availability for both standing immersive and seated tickets for ‘Guys & Dolls’. This September, London Theatre Week has actually been extended for a little while longer and you can currently get seated tickets for as much as 39% off, which is an absolute bargain given the high production value of this show. Head over to the company’s website to secure your tickets before the production closes in January 2025.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
*My ticket for ‘Guys & Dolls’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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