Sheffield Crucible Theatre director Rob Hastie says that Guys and Dolls is his Christmas gift to the city

For director Rob Hastie, the decision to choose Guys and Dolls as this year’s Sheffield Crucible Theatre Christmas musical was easy – he loves it.
Julia Armstrong
By Julia Armstrong
Published 16th Dec 2019, 15:28 BST
Updated 18th Dec 2019, 14:18 BST
Director Rob Hastie in rehearsals for Guys and Dolls at the Crucible Theatre, SheffieldDirector Rob Hastie in rehearsals for Guys and Dolls at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Director Rob Hastie in rehearsals for Guys and Dolls at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

Rob, who is also the artistic director at Sheffield Theatres, said: “It’s the best musical ever of its kind and we’re having a good time.

“I would put it at the top of any list,” he said, adding: “It is the best, finest made piece of musical theatre.

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“It’s a classic Broadway book musical from the golden age, just sublime.

“There are lots of reasons for that – the score is beautiful, the songs are lovely but just complex enough to be acting challenges and choreography challenges. They’re also iconic and hum-able.”

Rob said he’d woken up for days on end with the showstopper Sit D own You’re Rocking the Boat in his head and he thinks I’ll Know When My Love Comes Along is a beautiful song.

“And it’s a great story. Really I think it’s the characters that make people come back to it again and again. They’re just people you end up wanting to spend time with.

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“By the end of the night you won’t want to leave, you’ll want to spend a bit more time with these people.

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

Guys and Dolls review

“At Christmas the Crucible is one of the best theatres in the country to come together and experience something collectively.

“It’s a story of joy and generosity and warm hearts and transformation at this time of year.”

He is excited about his cast, who have won the production rave reviews.

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Rob said: “Kadiff Kirwan, who plays Sky Masterson, is one of those actors who are in every bit of cool TV, such as Fleabag. Obviously he’s brilliant.

“We also have Natalie Casey as Miss Adelaide and Alex Young as Sarah Brown, who was one of the leads in Standing at the Sky’s Edge.

“She was also in Show Boat and Anything Goes, so she’s a Crucible veteran.”

The four lead roles are completed by Martin Marquez as Nathan Detroit.

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Rob said they are all terrific actors who also have the talent to deliver the music brilliantly.

He admitted: “It’s my Christmas gift to myself. And hopefully to you.”

Comedy star Natalie at Crucible

Guys and Dolls is at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield until January 18. Box office: visit the theatre, call 0114 249 6000 or go online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Related topics:Sheffield Theatres