Thursday 14 April 2011

Theatre Review: Guys And Dolls - Blackpool Grand Theatre, 14th April

Everybody has seen Guys & Dolls - haven't they...? Well I haven't - not on stage anyway. I have seen the 1955 film starring Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons but not all the way through, so I was pretty much able to come along to see this Blackpool Operatic Players production of the musical with no preconceptions.

The musical score written by Frank Loesser is delightful - with numerous well known numbers - such as "Luck Be A Lady" which has gone on to be a great cabaret classic in its own right, along with "If I Were A Bell" and "A Bushel And A Peck".

This stage version at the Grand Theatre was a really wonderful show to watch with colourful costumes wonderful acting and great song and dance numbers throughout.

The all male dance routine in the sewer at the start of Act 2 was particulalry enjoyable and well choreographed.

It would be unfair to single out individual cast members for particular praise as it was a good team effort by all involved from cast to wardrobe and music to make up. However Lucy did say that she thought certain scenes and musical numbers were better performed in this production than in the Hollywod film version, so there's a compliment!

The Blackpool Operatic Players' production of Guys & Dolls is on at the Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday - do go along and see it.

To book tickets, visit http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/