REVIEW: WODS definitely made the boat rock with Guys & Dolls performance

Luck was definitely a lady for the Worle Operatic and Dramatic Society when the cast of Guys & Dolls took to The Playhouse stage for opening night last night (Thursday).

The playful cast had the audience howling with laughter from start to finish and it blew my mind to think we had so many talented individuals on our doorstep.

You know you are at a good amateur dramatic show when you forget you are at one - by this I mean I didn't feel like I was watching a group of people who do it just for fun, but instead like I was watching a full touring performance.

The staging and scenery was magnificent and I would not know where to begin to discuss the wonderful orchestra which transported me to the late 1940s.

The story follows some of New York's local gangsters who have a love of gambling despite it being illegal.

Nathan Detroit (Ed Creswick) is down on his luck as it is becoming harder and harder for him to find venues to play his infamous Craps Game.

He is engaged to local showgirl Miss Adelaide (Cath Back), who is desperate to tie the knot, but does not have the money to pay for the wedding.

Enter Sky Masterson (Nick Uttley) who makes a deal with Detroit. The pair wager Masterson cannot woo missionary worker, Sister Sarah Brown (Becky Jackson), and whisk her away to Havana, in Cuba.

The unlikely coupling of Jackson and Uttley's characters were believable and wonderful, with Masterson's suave and fox-like cunning counteracting the stiff and prude nature of the missionary worker.

Their first kiss came as a shock to the audience but it still had a romantic air about it.

The duo's rendition of I'll Know and I've Never Been In Love Before was simply beautiful, really showcasing their singing ability.

I have to give a shout-out to the comical trio of Scott Riney, Matt Mawford and Aaron Pengelly who played Detroit's 'thugs' Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Rusty Charlie and Benny Southstreet.

The gaggle of comedians were a delight to behold, with clear chemistry and sharp tongues ready to find humour in even the most serious of moments.

Not one to stand on the sidelines was Back's character Miss Adelaide who had me in fits of laughter with her boisterous and over-the-top performance.

Back's vocal range knew no bounds, going from the character's native squeaky voice to the thunderous boom of an unimpressed fiancé.

Complete with her Hot Box Girls, the ladies commanded the stage in Take Back Your Mink and Bushel And A Peck.

The whole cast coming together for Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat was by far one of the best parts of the show, with brilliant choreography and spot-on harmonies.

All in all, this show was a fantastic evening out and one I would happily attend again and again.

Catch Guys & Dolls for yourself at The Playhouse, in High Street, from today (Friday) to tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm.

There will be a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday as well.

Tickets, priced £16.50-18, are available on 01934 645544 or at www.theplayhouse.co.uk