FERNEHAM HALL, FAREHAM 24TH, 25TH, 26TH FEBRUARY 2011

GUYS AND DOLLS AT FERNEHAM HALL, FAREHAM
By JAMES GEORGE
Published on Fri Feb 25 09:30:22 GMT 2011

Guys and Dolls is like a favourite pair of old slippers. Familiar, comfortable and just plain lovely.

Stage One’s production does nothing to lessen that feeling. Every song’s a winner in this show and here they’re mostly well sung. There’s a good deal of maturity in the singing-voices – surprising and pleasing when you read in the programme that there are no over-19s in the cast.

As Sarah Brown, Natasha Brown gives a warm, believable and beautifully detailed performance, her strong, beautiful soprano coming easily and soaring to the rafters. She’s ably partnered by the equally well-voiced Sam Ring as Sky Masterson. He is, perhaps, a little too measured in his dialogue – more energy and attack is required - but is never less than personable.

As the adenoidal Miss Adelaide, Megan Healy does well in the musical numbers and her partner, Nathan Detroit, is played by Jamie Riley with enviable comic awareness.

But, towering over all four leads is James Lawbuary as Arvide Abernathy. Clearly a born character-actor he has an ear for dialogue and imbues each line with intelligence, sense and spontanaiety. Some other cast-members seemed simply to be repeating lines learned by rote – but that comes with age and experience.

And charismatically standing out from the slick ensemble is Aaron Whatling, who acts, sings and dances his little socks off. Watch for him in the future.

Despite a pedestrian and uninspired start from the orchestra this show deserves to be wallowed in.

The News Website Comment

James George does a resonable job of describing the performance as he saw it. However, as one who has seen many shows from this company I would like everyone to know that they give 110%. It is no mean feat to go out on stage and face a hall full of people. Yes the audience may be mainly friends and family but it is still a nerve racking experience for a teenager. The thing that always strikes me is that they always seem to be enjoying themselves and their enthusiasm is infections. I would recommend anyone who would like to to try something other than sitting at home watching the tele then get your backsides into the Ferneham Hall and watch a Stage One production. Its good value and its always good fun.
siskinbob 

 Guys and Dolls
Stage One
Ferneham Hall, Fareham

Luck and chance feature significantly in the story of Guys and Dolls, but neither were required in the well conceived and beautifully executed production of the musical by Stage One.

The director, Jacqui Ivemy, showed a masterly hand at work creating inventive and visually striking scenes and sustaining the pace and narrative arc despite the need for constant scene changes.

The crisp and yet lush musical arrangement contributed in no small measure to the success of the show: all credit should be given to the Musical Director, Anita Clements, and the musicians.

The company delivered performances note perfect both vocally and in terms of characterisation. The four leads were excellent. Sam Ring was charismatic and compelling as Skye Masterson, while James Riley's Nathan had a crumpled charm. Natasha Brown (Sarah) and Megan Healy (Miss Adelaide) gave star turns. Ben Wilson was outstanding support as Nicely-Nicely Johnson.

Rip-roaring entertainment.

Karen Robson