Sheffield Crucible Theatre musical Guys and Dolls is an absolute winner

Election night was a weird night to be reviewing a musical – at least it took your mind off wondering what the result might be – but the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield pulled off a landslide victory with Guys and Dolls.
Julia Armstrong
By Julia Armstrong
Published 12th Dec 2019, 23:17 BST
Updated 13th Dec 2019, 11:57 BST
The fabulous Natalie Casey and her Hot Box girls perform A Bushel and a Peck in Guys and Dolls at the Crucible Theatre, SheffieldThe fabulous Natalie Casey and her Hot Box girls perform A Bushel and a Peck in Guys and Dolls at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
The fabulous Natalie Casey and her Hot Box girls perform A Bushel and a Peck in Guys and Dolls at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

The show, based on New York petty crooks created by Damon Runyon, involves around a bet between gamblers Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson. Can Sky charm missionary Sarah Brown into a trip to Cuba, or will Nathan win the money to bankroll his illegal gambling ring?

A sub-plot has Nathan dodging the marriage demands of long-suffering fiancee Miss Adelaide.

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The four stars were fabulous – Natalie Casey as Miss Adelaide played the comedy for all it was worth, singing and dancing a storm but giving depth and pathos to the vaudeville dancer who just wants to get married.

Her backing dancers also did a terrific job.

Comedy star Natalie at Crucible

Kadiff Kirwan was ice cool as Sky Masterson, slinkily sexy, charismatic and with a great singing voice.

Alex Young, following up her great Crucible performance in Standing at the Sky's Edge, made a fantastic Sarah, convincingly struggling to resist Sky. Her gorgeous voice was used to great effect.

TJ Lloyd leads the Crucible Theatre cast of Guys and Dolls in Sit Down You're Rocking the BoatTJ Lloyd leads the Crucible Theatre cast of Guys and Dolls in Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat
TJ Lloyd leads the Crucible Theatre cast of Guys and Dolls in Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat

Martin Marquez was a down-to-earth, likeable Nathan – you could believe Adelaide would find him worth waiting for.

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Big set piece Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat, was terrific but it had to fight to be a show highlight, such was the standard.

TJ Lloyd, Nathan’s sidekick Nicely Nicely Johnson, did a great job of leading the song and the encore took it to a whole new level.

Garry Robson, as Sarah’s grandfather, also impressed with touching ballad More I Cannot Wish You.

Kadiff Kirwan as Sky Masterson leads the ensemble in Luck Be a Lady in Guys and Dolls at the Crucible, SheffieldKadiff Kirwan as Sky Masterson leads the ensemble in Luck Be a Lady in Guys and Dolls at the Crucible, Sheffield
Kadiff Kirwan as Sky Masterson leads the ensemble in Luck Be a Lady in Guys and Dolls at the Crucible, Sheffield

The ensemble did a lovely job in big dance numbers and Rob Hastie’s perfectly-paced direction made everything shine.

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The huge band, perched above the action, sounded wonderful but occasionally overwhelmed singers

Designer Janet Bird's clever stage set, with a revolving section, was superbly adaptable.

Guys and Dolls is up there with the best of Crucible musicals – odds on you’ll love it.

The show is at the Crucible until January 18. Box office: 0114 249 6000 or www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

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