In the classic 1955 MGM musical movie, Guys and Dolls, it was a face-off between two of the biggest legends in American pop culture, Sinatra and Brando.
In the Island Savoyards' production at Shanklin Theatre, it is two of the Island’s most talented female leads who steal the show with their sensational turns as Adelaide and Sarah.
Holly Gardiner shines as the soul saving mission leader Sarah Brown, who is tricked into going on a date to Havana with notorious gambler, Sky Masterson (played by Bertie Everson).
Holly’s interpretation of Sarah isn’t some gullible doll who is instantly wooed by Sky’s advances, she’s feisty and strong. Her hilarious Havana scenes whilst downing Dulche De Leches in the bar showed a lighter side to her character as she lets her hair down.
Holly is a captivating performer with an excellent ability to make you howl with laughter one minute and then have the audience in the palm of her hand as she delivers an emotional and beautifully sung solo, the next.
Harley Mackness is pure talent. No stranger to the stage, Harley has performed with the Savoyards for many years but this was one of the most rounded roles of hers I have seen.
It was brilliantly acted and her characterisation was spot on. Harley played the long suffering fiancé of Nathan Detroit (played by Daniel Farmer).
Theatre grandees Paul Stevens and Kim Ball delivered great cameo performances alongside a strong ensemble of performers who delivered throughout.
I particularly enjoyed the dance routines in the Hotbox. The male cast members couldn’t quite match the quality of their female counterparts and needed a lot more energy and charisma at times.
A relatively simple set (if a little loud during some of the scene changes) plus a beautiful selection of costumes placed us firmly in 1950s New York.
There were some superb choreographic moments created by Rosie Sales and the orchestra was on top form under the baton of musical maestro Andrew Woodford.
A fine selection of tunes from this classic musical had me humming all the way home!
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