Guys & Dolls (Manchester Royal Exchange)
Have to admit I wasn't sure about making any changes to what is a musical theatre classic in Guys & Dolls but, the Harlem overtones and Talawa Theatre's all black cast have managed to keep everything that is loved about this story yet add something to both a raw comedy element and some soulful vocals to the impeccable Frank Loesser music and lyrics.
There is perfect balance between Ray Fearon's subtly comic Nathan Detroit and Lucy Vandi's delightfully understated Miss Adelaide as there is between Ashley Zhangazha's sophisticated and confident Sky Masterson and Abiona Omonua's restrained and proper Sarah Brown.
Unsurprisingly there are a mixture of tuneful, melodic voices here to enjoy, highlighted not least of all by Ako Mitchell (Nicely Nicely Johnson) and Fela Lufadeju (Benny Southstreet) and their rendition of the title track but, also an engaging performance by Trevor A Toussaint of a song sadly missed from the movie in 'More I Cannot Wish You'.
Movement and staging is always challenging in any 'theatre in the round' venue and the Manchester Royal Exchange is no different, dance numbers become an even greater test but, one that choreographer Kenrick 'H2O' Sandy and the cast are more than a match for, in particular the Hot Box Numbers (backed by some enchantingly soulful vocals from Lucy Vandi) and the 'Luck Be A Lady Tonight' number are a captivating watch.
Some interesting and innovative characterisation, in particular Kurt Kansley's physical Harry the Horse and Joe Speare's imposing (and quite reserved, yet scary) Big Jule to name two, these are signs of not only great acting but, some inspired directing from Michael Buffong.
When it comes to this show, I'm always waiting with baited breath for the 'Rocking the Boat' scene and whilst Ako can hardly be classed as a 'fat water buffalo' he is undoubtedly an amazing singer/performer, couple this with another piece of exquisite staging and you have a production that you really ought to make it 'your time of day' to see, running until 3rd February 2018.
Book Here
There is perfect balance between Ray Fearon's subtly comic Nathan Detroit and Lucy Vandi's delightfully understated Miss Adelaide as there is between Ashley Zhangazha's sophisticated and confident Sky Masterson and Abiona Omonua's restrained and proper Sarah Brown.
Unsurprisingly there are a mixture of tuneful, melodic voices here to enjoy, highlighted not least of all by Ako Mitchell (Nicely Nicely Johnson) and Fela Lufadeju (Benny Southstreet) and their rendition of the title track but, also an engaging performance by Trevor A Toussaint of a song sadly missed from the movie in 'More I Cannot Wish You'.
Movement and staging is always challenging in any 'theatre in the round' venue and the Manchester Royal Exchange is no different, dance numbers become an even greater test but, one that choreographer Kenrick 'H2O' Sandy and the cast are more than a match for, in particular the Hot Box Numbers (backed by some enchantingly soulful vocals from Lucy Vandi) and the 'Luck Be A Lady Tonight' number are a captivating watch.
Some interesting and innovative characterisation, in particular Kurt Kansley's physical Harry the Horse and Joe Speare's imposing (and quite reserved, yet scary) Big Jule to name two, these are signs of not only great acting but, some inspired directing from Michael Buffong.
When it comes to this show, I'm always waiting with baited breath for the 'Rocking the Boat' scene and whilst Ako can hardly be classed as a 'fat water buffalo' he is undoubtedly an amazing singer/performer, couple this with another piece of exquisite staging and you have a production that you really ought to make it 'your time of day' to see, running until 3rd February 2018.
Book Here
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