Directed by Andy Johnston
Review by Eloise Robertson
Southern Light Opera’s newest offering – Guys and Dolls – is a showcase of absolute charm, stellar pipes, and extravagant ensemble pieces. Whether Dolls is an old favourite or your newest obsession, look no further for an evening of joy.
The fun of this production – for cast, crew, and audience alike – shone in the huge ensemble dances. In these moments the stage filled, and the atmosphere was completely exciting; having such a large cast was an absolute credit here. From the dazzling overture to the Hat Box girls to a transporting Havana sequence, each ensemble number was perfectly complemented by eye-catching costuming and the pure joy on the face of every performer. Janice Bruce’s ambitious choreography was given a thorough go by all, despite varied degrees of dance-training, producing a fabulously overwhelming spectacle.
At the slower, more tender moments, however, it was wonderful to be alone with the leads; their talent became absolutely apparent. Olivia Hall’s Sarah Brown and Greg McCafferty-Thomson’s Sky Masterson were vocally outstanding, with each uniquely able to match the other. Hall deserves a double serving of credit here, for alongside her stellar voice she gave us a rare treat of Sarah Brown as hilarious as she is written to be.
Lara Kidd’s Adelaide drew total attention and gained every laugh written for her, and her chemistry with John Bruce’s Nathan Detroit was undeniable. He was greatly complemented by his buddies – Fionn Cameron’s Nicely-Nicely, Peter Tomassi’s Benny, and Matt McDonagh’s Charlie – who were totally joyous. Cameron’s ‘Sit Down’, too, was absolutely eye-catching. Brian Robertson’s solo as Abernathy was totally charming, too, rendering a classic song with real emotional resonance.
Andy Johnston’s direction shone at times, through the humour and chemistry of his leads. Some choices, however, rather cheapened the look of the production, threatening to divert attention from the prowess of the talent involved. Amongst these was an over-use of the stage-splitting screen, onto which were projected stills and gifs, though fun when deliberately comical, these were rather distracting. All this time spent before the screen did allow for the wonderful pay-off of Johnston’s ambitious and very impressive set design; it provided such a professional look, I only wish we had more time with it.
When eye-catching design, keen performer talent, and total fun from the ensemble combined, the result was joyous. Southern Light’s obvious dedication has produced a fun-filled evening; all will return home chuckling and humming their favourite tune.
Joyous; A Fun-Filled Evening
Southern Light Opera: Guys and Dolls run at The Festival Theatre until may 16th
Running time: Two hours and forty-five minutes with one interval
Review by Eloise Robertson (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Eloise is studying her fourth year of a Philosophy degree at University of Edinburgh, but she spends far too much time costuming student shows and writing opinion pieces for The Student. Since returning from her year abroad in Australia, she’s worked Bedlam Fringe and thrown herself back into Footlights and EUSOG by costuming both their main term shows. At the same time, she’s increasingly found her true passion in writing, and will begin her Master’s in International/Human Rights Journalism next September.
Eloise is a lover of all things camp and comedic, so she’s super excited to review stand-up, clowning, drag, musical theatre, and much more! At the same time, she’s a literature nerd who loves to see a reimagining of a traditional, emotive piece; whether it’s a one man Vanya or unicycling Bottom.
