Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre

Luck really was a lady with me being able to catch this spectacular show before its run at the Bridge Theatre ended.

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

My Review:

The immersive new production of Guys & Dolls has certainly taken the Bridge Theatre by storm and I was fortunately able to catch the final matinee of this fabulous production. Different sections of the set rise and fall in order to allow audience members to watch the performance above the level of the immersive standing audience however despite all steps taken by this production to minimise production and improve the visibility of the show the immersive audience still became distracting as they are constantly being moved around based on which stage pieces are raised and the moving of various set pieces throughout the area into place. Despite this, I did thoroughly enjoy the show, I can see the vision of the immersive production direction and how it fits well with the source material of the show with regards to theming.

Owain Arthur (Nathan Detroit) leads the permanent floating crap game which is made up of George Ioannides (Sky Masterson), Jonathan Andrew Hume (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Ryan Pidgen (Benny Southstreet), Dashaun Vegas (Big Jule), Filippo Coffano (Harry the Horse), Cornelius Clarke (Lieutenant Brannigan), TJ Lloyd (Rusty Charlie), Eamonn Cox (Angie the Ox), Dominic Lamb (Dave the Dude), Dale White (Feet Samuels), Pierce Rogan (Brandy Bottle Bates), James Revell (Jack O’Hearts), Nathan Rigg (Knife O’Halloran), Little Isadore (Samuel Routley), Alex Given (Society Max), and Michael Simkins (Joey Biltmore). Gina Beck (Sarah Brown) leads the Save-a-Soul Mission which features Michael Simkins (Arvide Abernathy), Saffi Needham (Agatha), Tori Scott (General Cartwright), Pierce Rogan (Calvin), Kamilla Fernandes (Martha), and Charlotte Scott (Anne). Timmika Ramsay (Miss Adelaide) dominates the Hot Box alongside Tori Scott (Good Time Charley Bernstein), Katie Bradley (Kitty Clancy), Kamilla Fernandes (Cynthia Harris), Tanisha Mae-Brown (Doris Clare), Sophie Pourret (Mimi Muldoon), Saffi Needham (Hortense Hathaway), and Siàn Nathaniel-James (Billy Perry). They are joined in the Hot Box by the Hi-Hi Boys: Jonathan Andrew Hume, TJ Llyod, Eamonn Cox and Ryan Pidgen alongside Fillipo Coffano (Handsome Jack Fogarty). Finally, the Havana trio is comprised of TJ Llyod (Diego), Dashaun Vegas (Esmerelda), and Pierce Rogan (Rico)

A stand-out performance for me was Owain Arthur and Timmika Ramsay’s rendition of Sue Me as this perfectly blended vocals and acting for a hilariously brilliant moment that was staged in such a way that every single member of the audience felt involved, which is extremely impressive especially when the show is set in the round. Another moment that I wish I could relive over and over again was Jonathon Andrew Hume’s performance of Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat, as alongside his spectacular performance and vocals it was wonderfully staged in a way that kept me engaged for all three renditions. Also, Jonathan Andrew Hume’s ability to keep the audience captivated and encourage their cheering between reprises was simply brilliant and his addressing of Tom Brady (Conductor) and the band to either continue playing or applaud him with the audience left me in stitches. I have not seen such a perfect use of audience enjoyment and promotion of engagement in such a thought-out and well-executed manner in many shows and it truly is a fabulous feature that allows the audience to feel part of the story, something definitely promoted by this production, which is such a unique beauty of live theatre that I feel is often overlooked. Another moment of this production that I adored was Marry the Man Today with Gina Beck and Timmika Ramsey as it was brilliantly performed allowing for a highlighting of both the comedic elements and the fabulous vocals of both performers, this song has now been on repeat for me after how much I enjoyed watching it during the show. The final stand-out moment that I want to mention, there was lots and frankly, I think the whole show was a stand-out show for me as I loved every minute of it, is If I Were a Bell performed by Gina Beck and George Ioannides. The choreography was simply sublime and the use of simple set pieces greatly elevated this moment without overpowering the performers or the scene being watched by the audience. Furthermore, as was the case with the whole cast, the exquisite vocals and characterisation led to yet another captivating moment that will stay with me for a long time after having seen this show.

The choreography by Arlene Philips and James Cousins was highlighted by the Hot Box girls who executed the routines with perfection in their dancing and characterisation, making these captivating moments of the show feel as though they brought the audience into the Hot Box as well as further showing that every element of this show was considered and directed by Nicholas Hytner (Director) with immersion in mind. This constant awareness of being an immersive production is what makes this show so special and Bunny Christia (Set Designer) must be commended for the innovative idea of raising stage pieces with various set additions to change locations without the need for large backdrops or set pieces as it was yet another feature that made this production so refreshing for me.

Should this show return, I cannot urge you enough to see it as it was a wonderfully refreshing piece of theatre that captivated and enthralled the audience from start to finish!

Content Warnings:

The show has content warnings clearly displayed around the foyer and throughout the theatre, which were as follows:

Please note that this performance contains:

Haze
Flashing Lights
Loud Noise After the Curtain Call

The show did have moments that I made note of that I felt would be worth mentioning, these moments were as follows:

There are references to gambling throughout
The show uses a prop gun

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)

- AnxiousTheatregoer