Guys and Dolls at the Bristol Hippodrome Review
Guys and Dolls
Bristol Hippodrome
12-16 July 2016
Reviewed by Siobhan Bridgwater
I love going to a show at the Hippodrome. It never fails to produce the most entertaining of evenings and last night was no exception.
I knew little about Guys and Dolls, despite its considerable collection of awards since opening on Broadway in 1950, prior to entering Bristol’s sensational theatre. Set in the underbelly world of street gambling and seedy nightclubs in New York City, the show starts with three small-time gamblers: Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Jack Edwards), Benny Southstreet (Mark Sangster) and Rusty Charlie (Christopher Howell), arguing over which horse will win a big race. They are interrupted by the arrival of the Save-a-Soul Mission band, led by the pious and starchy Sergeant Sarah Brown (Anna O’Bryne), calling for sinners to “Follow the Fold” and repent. As boss, Nathan Detroit’s (Maxwell Caulfield) arrives, needing $1000 to set up a floating craps games, we meet Sky Masterson (Richard Fleeshman) the flashy, charming gambler who will bet on anything. Nathan proposes a bet which he believes he cannot lose: Sky must take a date of Nathan’s choice to dinner in Havana, Cuba. Sky agrees, and Nathan chooses Sarah Brown. And so the story unfolds with Maxwell Caulfield supported by Louise Dearman’s wonderful character, Adelaide, his long suffering fiancée of 14 years, who works at the Hot Box.
I did not know the score, written by Frank Loesser which included ‘Take Back Your Mink’ and “Luck be a Lady” but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Richard Fleshman gives an outstanding performance: assured and absorbing with a maturity way beyond his 27 years. He has a crisp, clear speaking voice but it is his singing voice that is really smooth and strong. And it was a pleasure to watch Maxwell Caulfield’s fine portrayal of Nathan Detroit and both the female leads were extraordinary. Louise Dearman seems like a natural comedienne as she plays her role to perfection and Sarah Brown’s singing was startlingly good. I loved all the members of the Save-a-Soul Mission and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” was a real crowd pleaser.
It is a long show though and I did start to struggle before the welcome arrival of the interval. However, the superb performances along with a wonderful ensemble, spectacular lighting and stage sets, bright and beautiful costumes, hair and make-up drew us back in for Act 2. The orchestra was absolutely fantastic and carried the show along with every perfect note played.
The audience obviously loved it and jumped to their feet at the end. And as we left the theatre, we overheard such effervescent praise for the whole cast.
This is a fine, well produced and clever piece of theatre.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £15 to £49.50 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Guys and Dolls is at the Bristol Hippodrome until 16 July 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3012.
Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ | 0844 871 3012
