Natasha Blair enjoys one of the world’s favourite musicals
Originally premiered on Broadway in 1950, and winner of five Tony Award including Best Musical, the latest production of Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre in London has maintained all its magic.
Seating is on all four sides of the auditorium, and is wrapped around the action. Immersive tickets are available for those who are happy to stand, but with the fun element of being part of the audience circumnavigating the stage. The staging is ingenious with sections that go up and down, creating a variety of settings.
The show is based primarily on two short stories written by New York storyteller Damon Runyon, benefiting from his background as a newspaper man, and sportswriter using of naturally exuberant street language. Characters come from New York’s underworld which includes gangsters and gamblers as well as members of the Save-A-Soul Mission, reminiscent of the UK’s Salvation Army. The latter is led by pretty Sergeant Sarah Brown.
Romance blossoms when the virtuous Sergeant agrees to go out to dinner with Sky Masterson although at the time she doesn’t realise where. Nathan Detroit, the character played by Frank Sinatra in the film, runs illegal crap games. In need of money to secure a venue, he bets Masterson that he can’t take a woman of Nathan’s choice, in this case Sarah Brown to dinner in Havana.
At the same time, another love story plays out. Detroit has been involved with singer Adelaide for many years and eventually promises to marry, but then runs out. A happy ever-after scenario ends the evening where both couples marry, and the crap game is officially closed.
Lyrics were written by Frank Loesser, and include such songs as ‘Luck Be a Lady tonight’ and ‘Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat’.
Based on the musical, the film released in 1955 starred Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons.
Bookings for Guys & Dolls to August 2024 with a cast change in March 2024.
Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
https://www.lovetovisit.com/uk-attractions/bridge-theatre/guys-dolls/POPPY123
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