Lisnagarvey Operatic Society

Courtesy of the Belfast Telegraph, here’s the unedited review of last week’s show:

Guys & Dolls

Lisnagarvey Operatic Society, Island Hall, Lisburn

Following a very dramatic production last year, this small local company has turned to a much lighter musical comedy this year, but – with good casting and direction from Ian Milford – nothing is left to chance … not even in a gambling-based show about dice-rollers and holy rollers.

From the streetscape soundtrack of its ‘keystone cops’ style opening to its happy ending, this entertaining and youthful production boasts authenticity in approach (with clever use of apt projections to cover certain scene changes) as it brings Damon Runyon’s characters to believable life.

These characterisations are so well realised by the talented gamblers (who also double as energetic dancers in Gillian Jones’ choreography, in both Havana and the Crapshooters’ Ballet) that, unusually, it is the Guys who upstage the Dolls here.

Tim Pentland (Nathan) displays a good voice and great comic timing and expression, while, Andy Scott (Sky) – reminiscent of Peter Corry when he first started out in musicals – shows the most potential with his natural acting approach and effortless singing.

Exceptionally good support here from Simon Cunningham (Nicely Nicely) and Rea Campbell (Benny) who get to shine in the title song, while experienced talent like Roy McIlwrath will always glow bright … even in a minor role.

Under David Thompson’s musical direction, the girls, Louise Lemon (Sarah) and Claire Campbell (Miss Adelaide), really hit the mark in the duet, Marry The Man Today, while other highlights include A Bushel And A Peck, Havana, My Time Of Day and the showstoppers, Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat.

Damien Murray