Guys and Dolls tells the story of Sergeant Sarah Brown (played by Lydia Simpkiss for the Willenhall Operatic Society).
 | | Guys... |
Central to the musical is her attempt to make a difference to the tipsters, gamblers and con-men of New York City through her 'Save our Souls Mission'. Adelaide (Faye Bray) is desperate to marry Nathan Detroit (Roger Stokes), her fiancée of 14 years. Nathan is more interested in finding new locations for illegal crap games and dodging the watchful eye of Lt. Brannigan (Marc Hammond). Sky Masterson (Paul Lycett) is the highest roller of them all who would bet on anything that will turn him a profit. Falling for the big time gambler
 | | ...and Dolls |
There were excellent performances from all of the lead characters. This is especially true of Lydia Simpkiss; who was able to switch from the campaigning Sgt. Sarah Brown, to the girl who falls for the big time gambler Sky Masterson (Paul Lycett) after a drink or several in a Havana night club. Lycett gave an impressive performance with just the right amount of swagger as the aforementioned high-roller.
 | | The '50s: not just black and white |
Making his first appearance in a major role, Alf Rai was totally convincing as the banana munching chubby gambler 'Nicely Nicely' Johnson and superbly handled one of the shows best known numbers 'Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat'. The show was produced and choreographed by Colette Edwards. Musical direction by Peter Smith. A special mention for... Worth a special mention is John Arnold, who played Big Jule with slick dancing from 'The Hot Box Girls' and members of the chorus in accompaniment. This production of Guys and Dolls was a real treat. | 
