Guys and Dolls - Bridge Theatre

Finally caught GUYS AND DOLLS at today’s matinee. I can’t believe that I’ve only just got around to seeing it. This really was an incredible experience.

My only other experience of the show was the Ewan McGregor Michael Grandage/Donmar production at the Piccadilly, which I remember absolutely loving. This new production is in a different league though, and is really inventive.

Firstly, the cast are brilliant. I went for Celinde (and she was gorgeous in this. Her Sarah Brown was a real fire-cracker - smart, knowing, sexy, vulnerable. The chemistry between her and Sky was palpable. A great actress! And my God, the voice is beautiful. I had shivers during ‘I’ll Know’. She does more with the voice here than in LOVE NEVER DIES, which is an out-and-out legit sing, and really shows other sides to it. I can’t wait to see her do other roles. She could certainly follow in Kelli O’Hara’s footsteps on this side of the pond).

However, all the cast are wonderful. Daniel Mays had a boundless energy and attack as Nathan. He was an absolute joy to watch. The same goes for Marisa Wallace as Adelaide. Cedric Neal was a cheeky presence as Nicely, and brought the house down with ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’ (3 times)! George Ioannides was a suave Sky, with the voice of an old-school crooner.

I did the immersive standing option, and can’t imagine doing anything else for this show. It is truly immersive (not like some of these other shows that have been billed as such, but then aren’t). The stage crew do an absolutely mammoth job, and it is more than deserved that they get their own bow. It really adds an extra dimension to your experience, being so close to the action, and interacting with the actors. I was mere inches away from Marisha and Celinde when they did their big duet in Act 2. I was worried that 3 hours was a long time to be standing, but needn’t have worried. The time absolutely flew by!

The piece itself is an absolute masterpiece. It is incredibly well crafted. All the songs are winners. The book is so funny too.

So glad I saw this before the cast change, although this show would reward repeated viewings (something I am not really a fan of - there is just too much else to see)! There is so much going on, and so many little interactions with audience members that are missed on a first viewing. I may well go back (plus, Celinde is staying).

An easy 5 stars (my second of the week).

If you see it again, definitely go for it! I thoroughly enjoyed the standing area as it made me feel like I was part of the performance. 

What a blissful evening. The final performance of this cast and an absolutely brilliant one with a vibrant buzzing theatre. Life was made for nights like this.

What an amazing, exhilarating night of high octane musical theatre.

Cedric’s final Rockin’ The Boat will live long in the memory. I’m amazed he got through it and was a sobbing wreck by the end.

So pleased it felt such a special night for a special cast. Marisha and Daniel were fabulous, as they have been every time I’ve seen them.

Nice to see Richard Fleeshman there supporting Celinde. Also great to see Arlene out on the floor with a sparkly glitter shaker during Havana.

Also spotted Rob Houchen and… Ed Balls.

Fifth time seeing this production and struggling to imagine it with a changed cast. Might need to have a little break from it before dipping my toe back in.

I don’t think there’s a night when Rob Houchen isn’t at a musical performance where there may be cameras.

To be fair to him though his partner was in Guys and Dolls.

It’s a SOLT Affiliate venue.

Marisha Wallace entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night...

How can you enter the Celebrity big Brother House if you aren't a celebrity?

I went to see this for the first time last weekend. I adored it, and found the immersive staging incredible. I was blown away constantly, and had the time of my life. The staging is so unique (especially for a classic!) and full of life. This is how you reimagine a show (Disney, Cameron, take note!). And the Bridge theatre is such a wonderful venue.

The new cast was spectacular. Full of energy, confident, and genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. Timmika Ramsay was a terrific Adelaide, who sang Take Back your Mink as if there was no tomorrow. George Ioannides was a charming, delightful Sky Masterson. Jonathan Andrew Hume´s "Sit Down, You´re Rocking the Boat alone" was worth the ticket cost alone. Of course, he got a full standing ovation. And Celinde Schoenmaker has the most beautiful voice, which made for a lovely take on Sarah Brown.

I would go back every week if I could. We need more shows like this one, joyous and full of life; celebrating classic musical theatre while adding a modern spin to make it even better; and less "reimagined" cheap crap. Undoubtedly, I´m giving this five stars. Though I would give it six if I could. Transfer this to Broadway immediately!

I'm not aware that they've said it is closing 31 August - I think that's just the current booking period, therefore it is feasible it could extend.  Having said that, brilliant show though it is, some people might like to see the theatre revert to a more varied programme after this fantastic production has run its course.  Personally, I could see it running to the end of the year.