Belfast Operatic Rolls The Dice And Wins Big

A dazzling cast, sensational choreography and a sublime live orchestra make Belfast Operatic Company’s Guys & Dolls a winning production packed with humour, heart and classic musical theatre magic.

The opening night of Belfast Operatic Company’s Guys & Dolls at the Grand Opera House hit the jackpot. From the first brassy notes of the overture to the final curtain call, the sublime 19 piece orchestra ensured this production was one to remember. This beloved musical bursts with energy, humour and heart.

Set in Damon Runyon’s colourful world of gamblers, showgirls and straight-laced missionaries, the story is packed with fun and charm. At its core, gamblers Sky Masterson and Nathan Detroit wreak emotional havoc on the lives and loves of Miss Adelaide and Sarah Brown, while the production convincingly captures the complexities of love and relationships.

The cast is stacked with local talent, delivering performances that are nothing short of “simply heavenly.” Dessie Havlin is a charismatic Sky Masterson, cool as the Havana breeze and smooth enough to make his rendition of “Luck Be a Lady” a standout moment of the evening.

Opposite him, Naomi Smith, no stranger to the Grand Opera House stage, shines as Sarah Brown, bringing warmth, humour, flawless vocals and a convincing characterisation as she battles between her morals and her true feelings. Their chemistry is undeniable, adding to the magic of the production. The Havana scenes are particularly comical, beautifully showcasing the blossoming relationship between the pair, while their duets are simply wonderful.

Greg Fox is hilarious as lovable schemer Nathan Detroit, desperately trying to keep his floating crap game one step ahead of both the law and his long suffering fiancée, Miss Adelaide. Fox perfectly embodies Nathan’s rogue like charm, while also delivering strong vocals throughout.

Emiko Seawright plays Adelaide with gusto, excellent comic timing and real vulnerability, moving seamlessly from glamorous Hot Box headliner to exasperated fiancée. The chemistry between the two is natural and engaging, and despite Nathan’s endless procrastination, the audience remains fully invested in their eventual union.

The supporting cast and ensemble keep the show moving “nicely, nicely.” Big musical numbers such as “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” are worth the ticket price alone, while the choreography and lively staging ensure the audience remains completely transfixed. The stage buzzes with the kind of old school musical magic that reminds audiences exactly why this show has remained so beloved for generations.

Under the direction of Kerry Rodgers, the production strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and high energy entertainment. The set is colourful and vibrant, with the clever use of oversized coloured dice woven throughout the staging. The ensemble’s choreographed movement of the dice is seamlessly integrated into the action, enhancing each scene beautifully.

Tim Bell’s choreography is inventive, adventurous and slick throughout. From the dazzling routines of the Hot Box Girls to the energetic Crapshooters in their colourful suits and braces, every number is packed with personality and precision. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” proves to be one of the production’s most memorable moments.

The excellent set design, featuring a striking New York skyline, combined with the superb orchestra under the musical direction of Colin Scott, allows for a brilliantly inventive overture. For an opening night performance, the production runs remarkably smoothly and clearly delighted the audience from start to finish.

Strong character work abounds across the ensemble. Michael Bradley brings genuine poignancy to his scenes with his daughter Sarah, while Daniel Clarke and Adam Callender are excellent as Benny and Rusty. James Marsden also makes a strong impression as Harry the Horse.

However, the standout supporting performance belongs to Conor Anderson as Nicely Nicely Johnson, fully inhabiting the role with charisma, humour and boundless energy.

A final mention must go to Laura Kerr as General Cartwright, who seems to steal the show in every role she plays. Her commanding stage presence and impeccable comic poise elevate the final scenes wonderfully.

With outstanding performances, slick choreography and the unmistakable charm of one of musical theatre’s greatest classics, Belfast Operatic Company has delivered a production bursting with energy and polish.

Guys & Dolls is an irresistible night at the theatre that proves luck truly is on their side. Catch it at the Grand Opera House this week while you can, it runs until 16th May , tickets available from GOH.co.uk