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Last week, I visited the Bridge Theatre to see the Immersive production of ‘Guys & Dolls’ - Yes I really have taken my time with this review because I was left honestly speechless.
Firstly, the front of house staff were wonderful providing a cloakroom service for our coats and bags for those going into the immersive standing area, which I was after making use of the Bridge Theatre’s young person scheme!
Upon entering the auditorium the stage is entirely flat and there are ushers, dressed as NYPD Officers (who play a large part in your experience!) but acting as vendors selling hot dogs, pretzels and hats as well as a variety of other refreshments. This, and the NYC Soundscape played through the speakers, were both great ways to bring you into the New York atmosphere as soon as you entered the room - It was also just super enjoyable to watch the Ushers have fun with their roles and get really into it.
Then the magic began. It can be only described as ‘magic’, because it truly is such a magical experience. The stage rises and falls around you as an audience member throughout the performance and the NYPD Ushers just tell you where to move for your best safety. Having the stage rise from where you were just stood is fantastic. You are completely in the middle of the story (whether you like it or not!) and it is fascinating. Although standing for such a long time is slightly tight on the legs, whilst the performance is going you really don’t notice it. Just make sure you stretch out nicely in the interval (you’ll thank me!).
My advice for the standing room is to try and stand close-ish to the front as you could get the opportunity to help out with the show by holding props or interacting with the characters. Which just enhances the experience even more.
The performances from the entire cast were second to none, each and every performer was outstanding in their own right.
Daniel Mays plays the role of Nathan Detroit, and brings a great deal of comedy to the show, hitting every moment spot on for the perfect audience reaction. He was a great choice for the role.
In the role of ‘Miss Adelaide’ was Marisha Wallace who brought her fantastic powerhouse vocals as well as a well developed character bringing a new spin on this iconic role whilst keeping honest and true to the source material. This was a masterful performance from Marisha Wallace.
One of the greatest standouts and highlights of the show for me was Cedric Neal in the role of ‘Nicely Nicely Johnson’. This is a wonderful role and Cedric Neal fills the shoes of the character like nothing I've ever seen. Every comedy line was bang on, leaving the audience in stitches, his ‘nicely, nicely’ characterisation was brilliant giving the audience something to really enjoy every time he was onstage. I was blown away by Neal’s vocals too, such a powerful and silky smooth voice! His 2 encores of ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’ really prove him to be a total fan favourite (and rightly so!!)
Another pair of standouts were Celinde Schoenmaker and George Ioannides in the roles of Sarah Brown and Sky Masterson respectively.
Celinde Schoenmaker brought out the two sides to the character of Sarah extremely well. Her rendition of ‘If I were a Bell’ was perfect and she has a lovely tone that ensures her vocals sail over the notes. She gave a fantastic performance that proves her talent and portrays the character brilliantly.
George Ioannides plays ‘Sky Masterson’. He brought a great deal of charm and charisma to this character who goes through a great deal of change throughout the show. Seeing all sides of this character’s personality was very easy though because Ioannides does such a great job. This, paired with his immense vocal talent - particularly in ‘Luck be a Lady’ which was another fan favourite.
Choreography by Arlene Phillips was beautiful, as it always is, every single dance number was stunningly complimented by some intricate choreography - executed with a great sense of slickness and energy from the talented ensemble.
The ensemble of this show was built up of great dancers and performers who all bring their own personality and character to their roles which makes this show so interesting to watch and as everywhere on the stage that you cast your eyes - you see someone else's story, that all builds up to make the great show that is ‘Guys and Dolls’
Overall, this production is outstanding. I am actually now afraid to ever go and see another production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ in fear that it would not be as good as the experience that I had at the Bridge Theatre production last weekend!
This is a must-see, whether you stand in the immersive zone, or take to the seats in the auditorium, it is worth it either way!
2nd February 2024
Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants