They call you Lady Luck,
but there is room for doubt.
At times, you’ve had a very unladylike way of running out.
With the music and lyrics of Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, Guys and Dolls is based on two short stories by Damon Runyon. Hailed as the perfect musical comedy, this show gambles with luck and love under the lights of Broadway.
Now, I’ll kick off this review by speaking about the original template companies work with. I am known for giving honest feedback and in my opinion, Guys and Dolls has one of the dullest scripts in musical theatre, compounded with a forgettable score and numbers which add nothing to an already weak and embarrassingly dated plot. But that’s all I shall say negatively because any more would detract from the wonderful performances and professionalism of Tinkers Farm Opera.
And what a company they are. Top quality offerings from all the cast with outstanding vocals, excellent dance and acting of the highest order. In the role of Sky Masterson was Richard Cooper who was commanding in presence and shone particularly during Luck be a Lady, which is easily the most recognisable tune in the show. As love interest, Sarah Brown, we had Gabby Baldwin, equally as strong and excelling during If I Were a Bell.
Tony Newbold played henpecked gambler, Nathan Detroit, adding comedic instances and duetting well with Bethan Siviter-Coupland in Sue Me. I was particularly impressed with Siviter-Coupland’s portrayal of Miss Adelaide, and she reminded me of Madeline Kahn at times in approach. Comic relief was also given by Tyrone Howell (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Luke Plimmer (Benny Southstreet) and Raymond Turrell (Harry the Horse). Each equipped themselves admirably and Howell especially led an excellent ensemble well during Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.
Rounding off the principals in good fashion was Geoff Westwood as Arvide Abernathy, and I was interested to read from the programme notes that he only entered the world of musical theatre just short of his 69th birthday. To me, that is what amateur theatre is all about. Joining a family where it is never too late with the dream that you can do anything if you want it.
Direction, including choreography was in the hands of Emma Harley with musical direction overseen by Simon Wilkinson, fronting an impressive orchestra. Production can be immensely proud of the end results, especially as the audience went home happy after much deserved applause.
Guys and Dolls can be an expensive show to stage and has been the financial death of two companies that I know of in the past. I hope in this instance, the rewards were worth it because Tinkers Farm deserve to thrive. They return to the musical stage in Stourbridge in 2025 with Mel Brook’s The Producers. This is a musical I like and knowing it will be in the safe hands of this excellent company, I shall certainly be there.
Cheers
Antony N Britt.
*Photos taken from social media.
Antony N Britt - Author 