Book: Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Music & Lyrics: Frank Loesser
Director: Nicholas Hytner
The wonderfully immersive, award-winning Guys & Dolls at Bridge Theatre has one final extension to dazzle audiences until 4 January 2025. With its inspired staging, impactful backdrop and polished performances this is a show that cannot be missed.
The gritty 1920s New York atmosphere is set before the show even begins – stagehands dressed as cops usher the audience around, while ensemble actors flit around interacting with the audience in the standing section. The bright, creative set design (Bunny Christie) works alongside the frequently rising stages to visually delight and impress with the sheer precision and timing required to ensure the show is as safe as it is stunning.
Two new cast members have joined the show (and the Save-a-Soul Mission) since 2 September for its final iteration: Gina Beck and Michael Simkins. Gina Beck (Matilda, The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables) is inheriting the role of Sarah from Celinde Schoenmaker, while Michael Simkins (The Unfriend, Yes, Prime Minister, Mamma Mia, Backstairs Billy) is the new Arvide Abernathy, moving into the role after Niall Buggy. They are joining the already fabulous Timmika Ramsay (Miss Adelaide), Owain Arthur (Nathan Detroit) and George Ioannides (Sky Masterson) who have remained in their roles and continue to shine in this fantastic production.
Gina Beck has settled into the role faster than she can say “Dulce de Leche”. She gives an assured performance as the strict, serious Sergeant of the Save-a-Soul mission, eager to turn sinners into Saints. Her tightly wound, principled persona is first introduced during her operatic rendition of Follow the Fold. Though her character is rigid, Beck certainly is not, her measured approach to the straightlaced character enjoyable to watch. As she falls under Sky’s spell and starts to relax in the Havana heat, she loosens up, with Beck making the slight transition believable and natural, both in the acting, and with the slight change in her vocals in her If I Were A Bell solo.
Michael Simkins is a wonderful addition as Arvide Abernathy, providing the character with a gentle warmth and supportive encouragement to granddaughter Sarah. His More I Cannot Wish You solo is enjoyably sweet, endearing the audience with their tender, believable relationship. Timmika Ramsay remains the show’s glittering starlet as Miss Adelaide, her captivating persona commanding attention and bringing the audience under her spell. Her vocal range is incredible, so her musical numbers are impeccably performed, with Take Back Your Mink and Marry The Man Today being two of the stand-out performances of the evening. The choreography (Arlene Phillips / James Cousins) she performs with her ensemble is perfectly polished and in sync – an exceptional performer. Her commitment-phobe, gambling addict partner Nathan Detroit (Owain Arthur) is brilliantly comedic, his exasperated, flappable manner endearingly humorous. George Ioannides as Sky Masterson is charming and composed, his chemistry with Beck engaging and exciting.
This is musical theatre at its finest – strong cast, stunning set, unique direction, iconic storyline and an enjoyable musical score. The final cast at Bridge Theatre is already making their mark in this fantastically, unmissable show.
Runs until 4 January 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
Fantastically Unmissable
