Guys and Dolls (UK Tour)
Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 14th June 2016
★★★★
★★★★
I thoroughly enjoyed Gordon Greenberg's revival of Guys and Dolls in Chichester and again in the West End, but it seems even more glorious on tour thanks to the most thrilling of casts. Regarded by many as one of the greatest musicals of all time, Guys and Dolls is a legendary show which bursts with old school charm.
Maxwell Caulfield makes a lovable Nathan Detroit whilst it's great to see Richard Fleeshman tackling a completely different role, excelling as Sky Masterson. Fleeshman uses a different side of his voice - he's clearly been working on his technique; his rendition of 'Luck Be A Lady' is impressive.
Anna O’Byrne is an absolute delight as Sarah Brown - she's sweet yet sassy, with her vocals soaring throughout. Elsewhere Jack Edwards (Nicely Nicely Johnson) and Melanie Marshall (General Cartwright) bring the house down with 'Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat'.
The star of the show is Louise Dearman as Miss Adelaide. Having played both Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked, Dearman has now conquered both female leads in Guys and Dolls (she played Sarah Brown in the musical's 2007 UK tour). Dearman is a remarkable talent and in a league of her own. As Miss Adelaide, she reminds us what a sensational character actress she is; Dearman is hilarious from start to finish whilst dazzling with stunning vocals. Dearman steals scenes, receiving the evening’s biggest laughs - she is in her absolute element.
Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright's choreography provides many of the evening’s highlights - their big dance numbers are mesmerising. The orchestra sound superb, particularly for a touring production, although on several occasions the sound levels weren't on point and the cast's vocals were drowned out which was a big shame.
Although the first act drags a little, overall Guys and Dolls feels fresh and alive. The second act flies by featuring showstopping number after showstopping number. The entire company are on fire. With touring theatre going from strength to strength, Guys and Dolls is taking West End standards around the UK.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Guys and Dolls runs at the Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 18th June and tour the UK until 30th July 2016. Please visit www.guysanddollsthemusical.co.uk for further information, full tour dates and tickets.
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
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