
Reviewed by Joy Wright
Ahhhh what a treat lies ahead of you.
The show is based on a series of short stories written by Damon Runyon and set in New York in the 1930’s, often inspired by real people and events. The stories, now connected into Guys and Dolls as we know it, is a theatrical treat. It generously adorned with music and lyrics written by Frank Loesser and now directed by Robert Hastie of Sheffield Theatres who is racking up an impressive series of spectacular shows within the theatre complex and to national acclaim.
Natalie Casey in one of the lead roles is a superb casting choice, she is one of the most amusing actors I’ve ever seen. She has the most brilliantly expressive face and you will know with absolute certainty what is going on for her character Miss Adelaide, the nightclub singer and Nathan Detroit’s long-term fiancée. She possesses superb comic timing which makes for an excellent lead within this talented cast. Watching “Adelaide’s Lament” in performance is quite the comedic delivery entwined with the sorrow she feels regarding her eternal engagement.
Opposite Natalie in the role of Nathan Detroit is Martin Marquez and he’s the perfect foil to her crackpot comedy, more the wise guy on occasion and dicing with his future happiness in every sense.
The second couple in lead roles are Kadiff Kirwan as Sky Masterson and he’s a slick and smooth temptation to Alex Young’s lovely Sergeant Sarah Brown, the modest and determined Mission Sister set on saving the gamblers from their sins. We easily become involved with their emerging story, beginning as a bet and growing into a challenging situation for them both.
The set is incredibly dynamic, portraying so many locations such as a New York street, underground and a cool club, it is diverse and contributes enormously to this show and the atmosphere we enjoy throughout.
A talented ensemble, too numerous to list, are stuffed full of vim and vigour bring their vocal and dance skills to create an energetic and highly entertaining variety of show stopping numbers. I have long loved “Luck Be A Lady” since seeing the 1955 Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando technicolour film. This cast run away with it and even the lighting is easily noticed as being a grand contribution to this number.
The crowd reacted with volume and energy to “Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat” begun beautifully by TJ Lloyd as Nicely Nicely Johnson. The clapping went on for a long while for that number and was quite simply explosive at the end of the show, clearly a winner with the Sheffield theatregoers.
The show has a feel-good factor which is easily appreciated at any time but perhaps more so in the winter months and coming up to Christmas, if you’re looking for a great night out and an injection of fun; look no further.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the discount parking at “The Cheesegrater”, the Charles Street Q-Park. Sheffield Theatres offer a discount when you enquire with the staff at the theatres who will provide a voucher.
The show runs until Saturday 18th January 2020. Also, you’ll find a variety of dates which offer audio described performances, Integrated British Sign Language performance, captioned performances and a dementia friendly performance to really open up theatre to everyone.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15 (booking fees may apply).
Guys and Dolls is at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 7 December 2019 to 18 January 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.
Crucible Theatre, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA | 0114 249 6000
