REVIEW: Guys and Dolls

RicNic Hampshire

Theatre Royal, Winchester

BASED around a clever set, this was a slickly produced show with impressive choreography and a lush full musical sound courtesy of Musical Director Kathy Chalmers and the talented band. It had great energy and colour and enough individual touches to make it a RicNic experience.

Director Alex Lonsdale oversaw a fluid and beautifully sung show that really sprang to life during a number of the set pieces. Luck be a Lady and Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat were two such highlights.

This was very much an ensemble piece, fronted by some very strong performances. Joseph Lukehurst (Nathan) and Emily Pacey (Miss Adelaide), in particular, were delightful, the former having great stage presence and charm, Emily endowing Adelaide with a steely comic magic. Oliver Norman (Nicely-Nicely Johnson) and Harry Pudwell (Benny Southstreet) gave stand out performances and their duet was one of the notable moments.

Karen Robson