Five Stars
A musical that has been revived numerous times both on Broadway and on the West End, including a 1955 film adaptation, needs no introduction, and we jumped at the chance to see Guys and Dolls again with it's final cast at the Bridge Theatre in London, and again we were completely captivated by the show. This time Gina Beck has joined the cast as Sarah Brown, along with Michael Simpkins as Arvide Abernathy, both characters in the Save-A-Soul Mission.
There is no doubt that the venue is a perfect match for this new, immersive musical experience and lends itself well to it, given the seating format. I never expected such a unique and modern take on this musical at this venue, which I believe has hosted some recent immersive productions. Rather than having stalls, the audience is standing around the stage that rises and falls as the show progresses. The audience is ushered around the stage as it moves up and down from one section to another, the ushers are dressed as cops which adds to the fun. It looked so much fun and as if you were very much part of the show and I regret not choosing a standing ticket. Having said that, even seated, one felt immersed in the environment. What a joy to witness!
Upon entering the theatre to take our seats, many of the background actors were already in character and mingling and interacting as if we were in the New York underworld of the 1920s, which was extremely believable given the set design and lighting (Paule Constable) and sound. Arlene Phillips' choreography was effortlessly conveyed, and reminded me of the choreography in West Side Story's most recent adaptation.
The cast members are seasoned professionals and it was great to see such diversity. However, Timmika Ramsay's performance as Miss Adelaide was outstanding. Not only was she on beat with every step, but her vocal range and agility is outstanding as well. The talented Timmika Ramsay commands attention on stage every time she appears - she is talent personified. During the performance, Owain Arthur (as Nathan Detroit) and Timmika Ramsay shared great chemistry and were so natural on stage together. Their chemistry in the duet 'Sue Me' was perfect. Owain's accent and energy on stage was on point and very New York.
George Ioannides (as Sky Masterson) and Gina Beck (as Sarah Brown) played her discovery of the wonders of Bacardi in Cuba for all the fun they could squeeze from it, her transformation from pious missionary into a she-cat fighting for her man was a joy to behold. George Ioannides' voice has a lovely tone, especially when singing 'Luck, be a Lady' and he naturally embodies the charismatic role of Sky.
It has to be said that the performance given by Jonathan Andrew Hume ('Nicely Nicely' Johnson) singing 'Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat' was one of the stand-out moments of the show. With the cast sat in the Mission, it would have been easy for some of the audience to only see their backs, instead they rapidly move chairs so that all get to enjoy the song to it's full effect.
We would highly recommend that you visit The Bridge Theatre to see this wonderful musical before it closes in March. If you’re able to stand for a few hours, the floor is where you need to be. An excellent performance all around from a strong cast. Bravo!
Venue
The Bridge Theatre
3 Potters Fields Park
London, SE1 2SGDates
Performance schedule
Until 14th March 2025
Monday – Saturday: 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday: 2.30pm
Access facilities At the time of our visit the lift was not working - please check ahead.
Website
Running time: 2 hrs 50 mins, incl. 15 min interval
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