REVIEW - Guys and Dolls, Savoy Theatre

FIVE STARS

Sophie Thompson and David Haig. Photo Paul Coltas

The cast. Photo Paul Coltas

The cast. Photo Paul Coltas

Siubhan Harrison and Jamie Parker. Photo Paul Coltas

ANYONE fed up with the miserable weather we've been getting should go and see Guys And Dolls.

The musical, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser is currently being revived at the Savoy Theatre and is an absolute stunner.

Set in New York it follows the fortunes of two couples. Nathan Detroit is a man who has been engaged to nightclub singer Miss Adelaide for 14 years - much to her frustration. 

Although he loves Adelaide, he is clearly a man who has serious commitment issues when it comes to tying the knot - being more attached to organising games of craps for his friends than setting a date for his wedding.

Then there is Sky Masterson, a man who gambles big and professes to only have a Doll when he wants one.

Their lives become intertwined when Nathan, desperate to get $1,000 to pay for a venue to hold a craps game, bets Sky he can't take straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown with him to Havana for dinner.

Not one to ever turn down a bet, Sky goes all out to prove he can persuade the prim and proper Sarah to go with him but ends up falling in love with her.

However, the course of true love doesn't run smooth and there are a few twists and turns along the way before the end.

It is a great story with lots of humour and some great characters, including Nathan's two sidekicks, Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet and the set too is stunning.

But it's the music that really sells this show, featuring stunning numbers including Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat, Marry The Man Today, A Bushel And A Peck and the fabulous Luck Be A Lady.

The production is fabulous and features stand out performanes from Gavin Spokes as Nicely-Nicely and David Haig as Nathan. Siubhan Harrison is a delight as Sarah and Jamie Parker as Sky shows what a fabulous voice he has. His rendition of Luck Be A Lady was amazing.

But for me the evening belonged to Sophie Thompson as Miss Adelaide. She was utterly captivating and with a fantastic vocal range showing the love and vulnerability of her character, not to mention making the audience roar with laughter at her portrayal of the lady who eventually gets her man down the aisle.

A winner.

Guys And Dolls is on at the Savoy Theatre until Saturday, March 12. Visit www.guysanddollsthemusical.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 871 7687 for full listings.