That’ll do Nicely-Nicely!
Frank Loesser’s Guys n Dolls is an old favourite amongst musical theatre fans, and rightly so. Its relentlessly toe tapping musical score and amusing array of characters create laughter and fun from the moment the conductor strikes up the band.
Pirton Players Musical Director, Margaret Johnson, was clearly on a mission to ensure that the contributions of her band were in perfect harmony with those of the on stage performers. Her energy and precision in the pit was unstoppable, perhaps matched only by the impeccable pianist, Clifton Hughes. All night long, the music bounced along, creating the perfect backdrop to the on stage action.
Pirton Players stalwart, Graham Gibbs, crossed the footlights to make his directorial debut. By no means an easy show to put together, he showed no first night nerves with his pacey production. Despite the limited performing space, his cast made maximum use of the stage and the auditorium in order to showcase their talents. His skilful use of photo montages, as well as the set, lighting and costumes generally, all helped to create atmosphere.
The enthusiastic chorus sang heartily, with the Hot Box Girls all adding lashings of glitz and glamour to the night. The experienced principal line up handled their roles with assurance, with the audience being treated to some really genuine star turn moments.
As the endearing, yet faintly ridiculous Miss Adelaide, Alison Gibbs turned in a very able performance. Her dizzy, Bronxy twanging Adelaide was a treat, particularly in her scenes with her seemingly eternal fiancé, Nathan Detroit. As Nathan, Mark Savage was her perfect foil.
In contrast to the showiness of Adelaide and Nathan, conservative Salvation Army devotee, Sarah Brown, was well played by Sera Dinmore. Her quality vocals made light work of the challenging vocals. Her initial resistance, then subsequent softening towards the suave Sky Masterson, was well judged. As Masterson, Tom Gammell was a safe pair of hands, giving an assured performance.
Special praise must be heaped upon Duncan Sykes as Nicely Nicely Johnson. He and his side-kick, Benny Southwest (Anton Jungreuthmayer) were truly comic. Instinctively funny, they sparked off each other all night. A special mention too for Trevor Clark, whose menacingly deadpan Big Jule was very well done.
The enjoyment of this extremely entertaining show was apparent by the reaction of the appreciative audiences.
