“Guys n Dolls” by Good Companions Stage Society
Derby Theatre

The story is of Nathan Detroit and his 14 year old engagement to Miss Adelaide, and Sky Masterson and a bet he made with Nathan to win $1000 to stage a crap game.

Their proposed venue has been rumbled by the cops and they need to raise this dough to secure the crap game venue The bet was to take Sarah Brown to Havana, but Sarah isn't such a pushover and both Sky and Nathan get more than they first bargained for!

It’s set in “Noo Yoik” with some wonderfully colourful – in more ways than one - characters, gamblers, gangsters and night club singers. It derives from the Damon Runyan’s stories of Broadway’s underworld.

The script is teeming with wittiness and this spills over into the lyrics of the instantly recognisable songs. “A Bushel and A Peck”, “Luck Be A Lady”, “Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat”, “Sue Me”. “Take Back Your Mink”, “If I Were A Bell”, “I’ve Never Been In Love Before”.

There were a few things that stopped this production from being as good as it could have been though.

There were sound issues with the mics which meant that some of the comedy was lost.

Some of the choreography could have been tighter, Now I know that not everyone is made a dancer, and the majority of the choreography was executed brilliantly and with great gusto. I did notice one young dancer stood out for me for his natural ability, and if it wasn't natural, then he had worked hard on this part of his performance, Charlie Torry.

The ensemble pieces were brilliantly presented, especially "Luck Be A Lady" and "Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat".

There seemed to be a bit of noise off stage seeping through where laughter and chat could be heard, as well as quite a bit of noise when moving sets behind the scenery. Sometimes this can't be helped but the off stage banter should not leak through to the audience.

I also noticed a couple of props dropped on stage. That holster needs to have a tighter grip on the gun! Sorry I am being picky.

The main leads were very well cast and their singing voices were excellent.Steve Foster (Nathan Detroit), Ellie Mallinson (Miss Adelaide), Grace Howitt (Sarah Brown) and Martin Counter (Sky Masterson) were all extremely strong in their roles, and I could listen to Grace sing all night; so pure and light were her vocals.

Ellie's accent was really consistent and a proper broad New York accent. She never wavered all through the show.

Andy Hambleton (Big Jule) channelled his "The Godfather" voice for Big Jule, which I loved.

Phil Stanley (Nicely Nicely Johnson) is one actor I’ve seen quite a bit over the last year and never fails to impress, especially with that voice, which was showcased wonderfully in "Sit Down"

Talking of lovely voices, Pete Gould (Arvide Abernathy) is another actor with memorable vocals.

A really strong cast who you can tell enjoy working with each other as they look comfortable on stage, and this makes it an easy watch.

Loved all of the costumes - like an advert for United Colours of Benetton - making this show visually a colourful affair.

Now when I get the show programme, I like to have a quick peek at the band members, it gives me an idea of what to expect music quality wise. Well, looking at this band, straight away, I knew i was in for a classy sound. Under the direction of Dave Adey, they were light and swinging.

Directed by Phil Simcox with choreography by Pauline Reader. And can I say that some of that choreography is not the simplest, especially in the "Havana" section.

Apart from the little negatives I've mentioned, I really did enjoy this production, and you will to.

“Guys n Dolls” is at Derby Theatre until Saturday 10 November 2018.