The hit musical comedy is gearing up for a strictly limited run in the West End, following the departure of Gypsy from the Savoy a theatre later this year. Chichester Festival Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Guys and Dolls is set to transfer to the West End for the limited season of a 13 week run, from 10 December, opening after Gypsy – starring Imelda Staunton – closes on 28 November.
Protagonist Nathan Detroit is desperate: he needs money for an illegal dice game, and fast, as well as trying to maintain his 14 year engagement to nightclub singer Miss Adelaide, whose patience is running out. Enter notorious gambler Sky Masterson, a guy who can never turn down a bet, and straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown, a doll with a heart of ice. Sky must romance Sarah by taking her to Havana for dinner and in return he’ll provide a dozen ‘sinners’ for Sarah’s mission. It seems this is one bet Nathan absolutely can’t lose? The New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers is a glorious evening featuring some of Broadway’s greatest show-stopping tunes, including Luck be a Lady.
The Chichester production which ran in August last year starred Sophie Thompson as Miss Adelaide and Jamie Parker as Sky Masterson (who will both transfer to the London production), Peter Polycarpou and Clare Foster. Along with dazzling choreography from world-renowned Cuban ballet star Carlos Acosta, and the much-loved Andrew Wright (Singin’ in the Rain, Barnum), it is a production not to be missed. The show also has direction from the celebrated New Yorker Gordon Greenberg, musical direction from Gareth Valentine, design by Peter McKintosh and lighting and sound by Tim Mitchell and Paul Groothuis.
Guys and Dolls is just the ultimate feel-good show!