“Guys n Dolls”
Bilborough College.

Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is a classic romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for fourteen years.

Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.

Now, I sat through this production, and as I did, I thought, how lucky I am to be witnessing so much talent in one place and from such young actors.

Every single actor on that stage oozed personality, oozed talent, sung pitch perfectly and stayed in character the whole way through. I have seen several productions of "Guys n Dolls", both professional and local productions, but this production has now become my favourite.

What makes this production my new favourite? I think it has to be the enthusiasm that every actor showed in their performance, and this is a character driven show so there are many personalities to be shown. Sitting on the front row I saw every smile, grin, wink and gurn. I heard every word spoken and sung. I saw the raw energy of a group of actors who thoroughly loved doing what they were doing,and were good at what they were doing.Their drive and enthusiasm left me feeling dizzy, in a good way.

I walked to the bus stop imagining what this production would be like if they had the funds for scenery, and imagined something worthy of a touring show. As I said, I've seen several productions of this musical, but none had a cast of such young actors, with such obvious talents.

Time to break this talent down further....

Jack Neale (Nathan Detroit) is a good looking leading man who, like all of the cast, can carry an accent. His singing with that accent is great and I loved the comedy he injected into "Sue Me".

Megan Beastall (Adelaide), WOW, what character she projects as the whiny voiced fiancee for Detroit. Loved her singing voice, characterisation, accent and comedy.

Harry Stevens (Sky Masterson), another good looking leading man who is blessed with a talented set of vocal chords.

Abi Barker (Sarah Brown) really showed a lovely split in personality with Sarah as the strait laced Sarah and Havana Sarah. Her voice shows signs of musical theatre/classical loveliness.

Niamh Abbott (Benny) is another young actor who injects great personality into the character, and even when Niamh was not featured in a scene, her facial expressions and actions made me smile. A brilliant fun character brought to life by a lovely fun young actor.

Aiden Carson (Nicely Nicely Johnson) I've seen on stage before so I already knew what a talented actor and singer he is. These talents were put to very good use in this character, and especially in one of the most energetic songs in the musical "Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat".

Loved the comedy, which I had never really noticed before in other productions, in the character Lt. Brannigan, played by Tommy Stewart. He has quite a mobile face which brings to life Brannigan's various expressions.

Because there were no weak links AT ALL in this show, I just need to mention the other actors as equals. Finley McQuade (Big Jule), Harvey Graham (Harry The Horse), Rianna Majer (General Cartwright), Naytanael Isreal (Angie The Ox).

The Mission members: Lily Soterioiu, Laurelie Abdy, Jasmine Warder, Eve Walker, Amber Scales, Rhea Mann, Samantha Hodson and Betrhany Skrimshaw.

The Crap Shooters Ensemble: Evie Farmer, Rob Cattonach, Bobbie Doggett, Charly Gatford-Ball. Emma Huxtable, Esma Alcin and Rachel Hamilton.

The dancers, choreographed brilliantly by Amelia Dawes, who herself showed off some very impressive moves, were Abi Stevens, Eboni Tinkler, Joanna Fullerton and Katie Tongue. There are many strengths in this production and the choreography was one of the big ones, especially in the Havana section.

Directed by Oliver Ridgway, assisted by Eliza Charnock, and this musical is not an easy one to direct but this pair did an incredible, and very mature job. Mature because of the comedy which was brilliantly timed, every time. A talented twosome.

The 14 piece band, which has grown since my last visit, and incorporates more instruments. Musically Directed by Alistair Beaven and conducted by Mark Wadey.

What also makes this show, for me, along with everything else, are the costumes. This is one of the sharpest shows, costume wise, and these cool cats certainly looked cool and very classy. We have to thank Eleanor Simpson for sourcing these.

The sound and lighting courtesy of Joe Lammond and members of the Bilborough Tech Enrichment.

This show is a massive one to put on, but the quality of this production belies the short time they have had to get everything together, cast, rehearsed, and with a combined team of over 60 people, it is no small group of people involved. With all of this talent, they have produced an incredibly professional show packed with energy, enthusiasm and drive, and I loved every single second of this production, and I bet that all involved are feeling very very proud of themselves and each other, as well they should do, as should Sharon MacInnes

“Guys n Dolls” is being performed at Bilborough College until Friday 13 December. You'd be a fool to miss the chance to see talent of this calibre on your doorstep.