Guys and Dolls is a wholly charming production that transports audiences to 1940s New York with its colour, wit, and energy worthy of the West End stage.
The Edinburgh University Footlights’ production of Guys and Dolls at the Pleasance Theatre is a wonderful event filled with grandeur, slickness, smoothness, and class. The live orchestra and immersed cast created a nostalgic atmosphere that transported the audience back to 1940s New York. The band was exceptionally disciplined, creating a rich and soothing ambiance for the audience to bask in.
Megan Le Brocq’s mighty vocals and comedic flair made her the perfect Miss Adelaide. Her solo numbers showcased impressive belting and characterful tone. Benedict Barker’s smooth crooning and charisma shone through as Nathan Detroit. Nina Harman’s Sarah was sweet yet powerful, her crystalline soprano capturing the character’s innocence and strength. Sebastian Schneeberger’s rich vocals lent a suave swagger to his Sky Masterson. Together, their spine-tingling duets enthralled the audience.
The lively group numbers were exhilarating and filled with smiles and synchronized movement, as if the ensemble was joined together as one body. This organisation was shown at one point when some of the cast emerged in a line with each wearing a t-shirt that spelled out “NATHAN”. These group numbers grounded the production in the melodramatic, heightened New York of the 1940s.
The sophisticated, quality costumes evoked 1940s New York and fit the characters perfectly. They effectively distinguished the gamblers from the hot box dancers and displayed each character’s personality. The practical yet dazzling set with neon lights hanging above the action transported the audience to that location, aiding the storytelling.
When the missionaries walked through the audience and handed out flyers to them, it immersed me into the world on stage. I felt like part of 1940s New York after receiving my pamphlet. While the production modernized gender roles for the 1940s, the lack of diversity was a drawback.
Overall, Guys and Dolls was a fun, spellbinding show with its effervescent musical numbers, endearing romantic chemistry, and dynamic dance sequences evocative of vintage Broadway. Catch it while you can!