Musical theatre is experiencing something of a high at the moment. The profile has never been higher with TV reality shows like 'Maria' and 'Joseph' introducing a whole new audience to the genre. Now this star-studded production finishes its nationwide run with a stint in Leeds. Of course musicals have their own long and packed history, but if your only experience of Guys and Dolls is the famous 1955 film, starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra, then this production at the Grand could be a revelation. Ben Richard, (Sky Masterson), says "This production is sexy, steamy, edgy and dark. The threat of violence is always there." Ben has extensive experience in West End musicals and will be familiar to viewers of TV's Holby City. "The look of the production is great we have resisted the temptation to make it too flashy and gritty. We have consulted the original books by Damon Runyon on which the musical is based, and studied photographs of the 1940s so the clothing looks realistic." The Grand will be reverberating to the full West End show with the stars, a live orchestra and a cast of 24. Ben says: "It is a great ensemble piece. Although it is based in the American underworld it is not simply a period piece. This production holds up well for the MTV generation. When my niece and nephew saw it they couldn't tear their eyes off the stage, they loved it."
 | | Claire Sweeney |
Claire Sweeny won great acclaim for her portrayal of Roxie in Chicago (opposite Patrick Swayze) and says of her role as Miss Adelaide " She has sometimes been a bit of a caricature, but at the end of the day she's a stripper, we've tried to make it more real. This show is very sexy and there's a real striptease onstage - although of course it is tastefully done." The current TV search for newcomers to make their musical debuts, can only help Guys and Dolls as far as Claire Sweeney is concerned. "I don't join in the criticism of these shows, I think it is great, anything that brings a younger audience to the theatre has to be good. In the age of the computer game I am for anything that introduces a new audience to live theatre. "For most of the TV viewers it will enlighten people to the scrutiny we come under. You've got to be spot on with the acting, dancing and singing. "Technically I am not a great dancer, I can make the shapes but I have to work hard at the dancing." And making the trio of stars to appear in Leeds is Brian Capron (infamous as Coronation Street baddie Richard Hillman) as Nathan Detroit. Brian says: "Guys and Dolls is in the top five of all-time musicals, every song is a winner. The songs hijack you, it is like they are there out of the dark before you even realise." The end of the run it might be but the cast and crew are keen to work their magic on the Grand audience. Claire Sweeney does not have to be dragged into the theatre. "The minute I stop loving what I do is the minute I get out, this is one of the happiest roles I have ever done. "I have had nine different Nathan Detroits, I don't know what I do to the boys." Guys and Dolls runs at the Grand from Tuesday 26 June to Saturday 7 July 2007. | 
