Review: GUYS AND DOLLS, King's Theatre, Glasgow, June 7 2016

Set in New York in the 1950s, Guys and Dolls is a tale of gambling and gangsters. Renowned gambler Sky Masterson makes a bet with Nathan Detroit that he can make any girl of his choosing go with him to Havana on a date. Detroit selects the unlikely Sarah Brown, a mission worker who tries to get sinners to mend their ways. Detroit has problems of his own as his fiancee of fourteen years Miss Adelaide becomes increasingly frustrated by his reluctance to marry her.

From the second the performance started it was clear that Guys and Dolls are not touring a lesser production of the West End version. With an incredible cast, stunning set and high production values it doesn't feel like anything had been scaled back for regional theatres.

Richard Fleeshman makes for an exceptional Sky Masterson. He embodies the confidence and charm of the character and he has a stunning voice which is most apparent during Luck Be A Lady. The chemistry between Fleeshman and Anna O'Byrne as Sarah Brown was fantastic and O'Byrne's vocals were outstanding.

Having enjoyed Louise Dearman in several other shows, I was delighted when she was announced for the Glasgow run. Although I expected great things, I was blown away by her phenomenal performance as Miss Adelaide. Blending excellent comic timing, incredible vocals and show-stopping dance moves it is easy to see why she got the loudest cheers of the night! Maxwell Caulfield also made for a more than worthy Nathan Detroit. Once again the pair has excellent chemistry and he gave a fantastic performance.

This is a wonderful production of a classic musical and I would urge anyone to rush to get tickets!

Guys and Dolls is at the King's Theatre, Glasgow until Saturday 11th June.