Immersive Theatre experiences offer an additional edge for theatregoers. Bridge Theatre new cast for Guys and Dolls offers two separate experiences for audience members. There’s the traditional seating experience and one where standing audience members become part of the show. Expertly moved throughout the evening as the stage changes form and positions. It’s certainly something I have never watched before.

Frank Loesser’s 1950 musical comedy about sin and romantic salvation has new life breathed into it by Nicholas Hytner’s production of Guys and Dolls with the Bunny Christie’s incredible staging constantly rebuilding the landscape remaking itself throughout the performance from the smokey New York City’s bars, clubs to a hot steamy night in Havana. Certainly a sight to behold.

Watching the cast who are dressed as American police officers manoeuvring the crowds around adds another dimension to the event. They acted fast and knew who needed to be where almost instinctively. This part of the performance can only be seen to its full effect by the seated members of the audience.

From the luminous signs overhead accompanying each scene change, one minute you are in the club at which showgirl Miss Adelaide (Timmika Ramsay) performs with her chorus girls to the Save-a-Soul church mission of Sarah Brown (Celinde Schoenmaker). Each signage change allows the audience to know where the cast is throughout the evening. Making the storyline easy to follow, especially for anyone who hasn’t seen Guys and Dolls before.

The storyline follows two romantic leads. Sky Masterson (George Ioannides) a soul in desperate need of salvation pursues Sarah Brown from the church mission. To the gambler Nathan Detroit (Owain Arthur) whose 14-year romance with Miss Adelaide has reached the point of no return and she wants him to finally make an honest woman of her.

The Tommy Entrata Orchestra are positioned in the tiered seating section on the left hand side of the stage, it is very unusual to be able to watch the orchestra play during a performance. They were outstanding musicians and at times the conductor interacts with the cast which adds additional comedy to the evening.

If you are looking for a memorable evening out then I would highly recommend watching Guys and Dolls. Please bear in mind this is almost a three-hour production so if you choose to stand it is quite a stretch, from what I saw the crowds appeared to be having a blast. However,  my advice is not to leave straight away once you think the show has finished as the entertainment continues as the cast engages with the audience on the stage below where the dancing and singing continue. A truly interactive experience.

For more information on the immersive Theatre performance Guys and Dolls and future productions at Bridge Theatre,  please use the link below.

Photo credit Manuel Harlan

FIVE STARS.

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