REVIEW
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
presents
GUYS AND DOLLS
A Musical Fable of Broadway
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
6th-9th May 2026
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
presents
GUYS AND DOLLS
A Musical Fable of Broadway
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
6th-9th May 2026
Few musicals capture the golden age of Broadway quite like Guys and Dolls, the much-loved musical comedy with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. First opening on Broadway in 1950, the show follows a colourful cast of gamblers, showgirls and missionaries amid the bright lights and shady backstreets of New York, where unlikely romances blossom alongside high-stakes bets. Packed with witty dialogue and classic songs including Luck Be a Lady and Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat, it remains one of musical theatre’s most enduring crowd-pleasers. In recent years UK audiences have embraced several acclaimed revivals, most notably Bridge Theatre’s hugely successful immersive production directed by Nicholas Hytner, which ran from 2023 into 2025. This week, Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society bring the popular musical to the Palace Theatre, Southend.
LODS have kitted out this production with a large cast and, with fairly minimalist staging, this gives more capacity for the big ensemble dance numbers that dominate the show, kicking off with the introductory opening number which instantly sets the bustling energetic New York scene and establishes a sense of anticipation of what’s to come.
Whilst attempting to stay under the radar of the local constabulary, as well as his long term fiancée, Miss Adelaide who just wants him to settle down, Nathan Detroit is looking for a venue to host a game of craps in order for him to make a few bucks amongst his gambling fraternity. The build up to Detroit’s entrance is lead by his cohorts, Nicely Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet and Rusty Charlie played by Matthew Wallace, Tom Nolan and David Shipman as they sing Fugue for Tinhorns delivering some lovely harmonies.
Meanwhile, high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson takes on a bet with Detroit that leads him to strait-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, sparking an unexpected romance.
James Cohen leans into the Sky Masterson persona with ease as he attempts to woo the strait laced missionary, Sarah Brown, on a date in Havana. Heather Syrett has been perfectly cast in this role as the pure but feisty missionary and shows off her singing range with some beautifully sung vocals, not least in the I’ll Know number which is just stunning.
It’s great to see different faces taking on the lead roles with LODS and Alex Abineri has landed himself a corker that he can really sink his theatrical teeth into as he takes on the role of wheeler dealer, Nathan Detroit, embracing every comedic nuance. He is perfectly matched with the talents of Nadezhda Beaumont-Lockley who slots seamlessly into the part of the Hot Box Club showgirl, Miss Adelaide, Detroit’s long standing fiancée of 14 years who’s permanently fighting off a stress induced cold in an attempt to get Detroit to put a ring on her finger. Nadezhda not only commits 100% to maintaining that delightful New York drawl, she also gets to perform some of the show’s most popular numbers - A Bushel and a Peck with the rest of the Hot Box dancers delightfully bedecked in bright yellow showgirl couture being one, Adelaide’s Lament (for the laughs) and Take Back Your Mink. Kudos to the wardrobe department for producing some truly spectacular costumes in this show.
A mention for Lloyd Cast who provides a caring and measured portrayal of Arvide Abernathy, Sarah’s grandfather, and delivers a touching rendition of the ballad, More I Cannot Wish For.
As previously mentioned, the set is fairly minimalist but the use of boxes to look like dice have been re-imagined as chairs and various other furnishings throughout which works pretty well. I wasn’t so sure about the large (rather unglamorous) dice though, which was a key feature of scene changes, depicting different locations in the production. It just seemed rather clunky and unnecessary, adding more time for scene changes. A good idea in theory though. The best use of the dice was during the Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat number with Matthew Wallace doing a fine job leading the action here with this show stopping song.
MD Rachael Plunkett has, as always, done a great job producing the overall vocal sound of the cast in the production; this is executed on the night by James Green who took on baton waving duties, leading the band in situ beneath the stage who sounded tight on opening night.
Director, Helen Sharpe, has done a great job sticking to the traditional values of this production with the cast, which will be appreciated by loyal fans of the original film and musical.
Choreographer, Crystalle Cox, has ambitiously drilled the ensemble dancers with steely determination and the concentrated focus of each dancer is evident with such a high demand of nifty moves here. Luck Be A Lady Tonight is one such fabulously energetic number alongside the Havana number too.
A special mention has to go to Courtney Emery who has always been a constant within the LODS dance ensemble and chorus. This show has given her a more prominent position within the production and really allows her the opportunity to show off her fabulous dance moves and sassy attitude. She looks like she’s having a blast in this production and really drives the choreography when she’s on stage.
Despite being quite a lengthy production - starting at 7:30pm and finishing around 10:20pm(ish) - the pace flows fabulously throughout with never a dull moment. The storyline for today’s younger audiences may seem rather dated but we could all do with a little nostalgic humour and some show stopping tunes to brighten our days. LODS have delivered this true to form. If you’re looking to raise your bets for an old fashioned trip down memory lane then LODS will show you a winning hand with their version of Guys and Dolls.
Review: Kim Tobin
LODS have kitted out this production with a large cast and, with fairly minimalist staging, this gives more capacity for the big ensemble dance numbers that dominate the show, kicking off with the introductory opening number which instantly sets the bustling energetic New York scene and establishes a sense of anticipation of what’s to come.
Whilst attempting to stay under the radar of the local constabulary, as well as his long term fiancée, Miss Adelaide who just wants him to settle down, Nathan Detroit is looking for a venue to host a game of craps in order for him to make a few bucks amongst his gambling fraternity. The build up to Detroit’s entrance is lead by his cohorts, Nicely Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet and Rusty Charlie played by Matthew Wallace, Tom Nolan and David Shipman as they sing Fugue for Tinhorns delivering some lovely harmonies.
Meanwhile, high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson takes on a bet with Detroit that leads him to strait-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, sparking an unexpected romance.
James Cohen leans into the Sky Masterson persona with ease as he attempts to woo the strait laced missionary, Sarah Brown, on a date in Havana. Heather Syrett has been perfectly cast in this role as the pure but feisty missionary and shows off her singing range with some beautifully sung vocals, not least in the I’ll Know number which is just stunning.
It’s great to see different faces taking on the lead roles with LODS and Alex Abineri has landed himself a corker that he can really sink his theatrical teeth into as he takes on the role of wheeler dealer, Nathan Detroit, embracing every comedic nuance. He is perfectly matched with the talents of Nadezhda Beaumont-Lockley who slots seamlessly into the part of the Hot Box Club showgirl, Miss Adelaide, Detroit’s long standing fiancée of 14 years who’s permanently fighting off a stress induced cold in an attempt to get Detroit to put a ring on her finger. Nadezhda not only commits 100% to maintaining that delightful New York drawl, she also gets to perform some of the show’s most popular numbers - A Bushel and a Peck with the rest of the Hot Box dancers delightfully bedecked in bright yellow showgirl couture being one, Adelaide’s Lament (for the laughs) and Take Back Your Mink. Kudos to the wardrobe department for producing some truly spectacular costumes in this show.
A mention for Lloyd Cast who provides a caring and measured portrayal of Arvide Abernathy, Sarah’s grandfather, and delivers a touching rendition of the ballad, More I Cannot Wish For.
As previously mentioned, the set is fairly minimalist but the use of boxes to look like dice have been re-imagined as chairs and various other furnishings throughout which works pretty well. I wasn’t so sure about the large (rather unglamorous) dice though, which was a key feature of scene changes, depicting different locations in the production. It just seemed rather clunky and unnecessary, adding more time for scene changes. A good idea in theory though. The best use of the dice was during the Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat number with Matthew Wallace doing a fine job leading the action here with this show stopping song.
MD Rachael Plunkett has, as always, done a great job producing the overall vocal sound of the cast in the production; this is executed on the night by James Green who took on baton waving duties, leading the band in situ beneath the stage who sounded tight on opening night.
Director, Helen Sharpe, has done a great job sticking to the traditional values of this production with the cast, which will be appreciated by loyal fans of the original film and musical.
Choreographer, Crystalle Cox, has ambitiously drilled the ensemble dancers with steely determination and the concentrated focus of each dancer is evident with such a high demand of nifty moves here. Luck Be A Lady Tonight is one such fabulously energetic number alongside the Havana number too.
A special mention has to go to Courtney Emery who has always been a constant within the LODS dance ensemble and chorus. This show has given her a more prominent position within the production and really allows her the opportunity to show off her fabulous dance moves and sassy attitude. She looks like she’s having a blast in this production and really drives the choreography when she’s on stage.
Despite being quite a lengthy production - starting at 7:30pm and finishing around 10:20pm(ish) - the pace flows fabulously throughout with never a dull moment. The storyline for today’s younger audiences may seem rather dated but we could all do with a little nostalgic humour and some show stopping tunes to brighten our days. LODS have delivered this true to form. If you’re looking to raise your bets for an old fashioned trip down memory lane then LODS will show you a winning hand with their version of Guys and Dolls.
Review: Kim Tobin
It’s 1950’s New York City, where the streets never sleep and love and luck are always a gamble. Smooth-talking gambler Nathan Detroit is desperate to find a spot for this infamous floating dice game, while his fiancée, nightclub singer Miss Adelaide, dreams of finally getting him to the alter.
Enter high-roller Sky Masterson, who takes a bet to woo strait-laced mission worker Sarah Brown. When hearts get involved, the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined.
Featuring unforgettable music and lyrics of Frank Loesser, Guys and Dolls is a dazzling classing, bursting with romance, comedy and show-stopping numbers.
Brought to life by the Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society, this production promises a night of toe-tapping melodies, dazzling dance numbers and big laughs.
Promising to be an unforgettable production, come roll the dice and see if luck be a lady for you!
WWW.SOUTHENDTHEATRES.COM
Guys And Dolls This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.MTIShows.co.uk
Music and
Lyrics by
FRANK LOESSER
Book Written by
JO SWERLING
and ABE BURROWS
Enter high-roller Sky Masterson, who takes a bet to woo strait-laced mission worker Sarah Brown. When hearts get involved, the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined.
Featuring unforgettable music and lyrics of Frank Loesser, Guys and Dolls is a dazzling classing, bursting with romance, comedy and show-stopping numbers.
Brought to life by the Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society, this production promises a night of toe-tapping melodies, dazzling dance numbers and big laughs.
Promising to be an unforgettable production, come roll the dice and see if luck be a lady for you!
WWW.SOUTHENDTHEATRES.COM
Guys And Dolls This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.MTIShows.co.uk
Music and
Lyrics by
FRANK LOESSER
Book Written by
JO SWERLING
and ABE BURROWS
CURTAIN CALL
with Heather Syrett and Alex Abineri who play Sarah Brown and Nathan Detroit
with Heather Syrett and Alex Abineri who play Sarah Brown and Nathan Detroit
Heather
Heather in rehearsal
|
How long have you been performing with Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society, and what keeps you coming back?
I first joined LODS in 2021 and Guys and Dolls will be my 4th show with the society. They’re a friendly, exceptionally talented bunch of people and my life just wouldn’t be the same without it! Something people might not know is that my Grandmother, who I sadly never got to meet, performed with LODS in the 70’s. We only discovered this a few years ago going through a box in the loft. I guess it feels like a full circle moment and that I was always meant to be here. Sarah Brown is quite a principled and poised character—what do you find most interesting about playing her? I think it’s the transition of her character from that ‘strait-laced’ and judgemental missionary to a young woman experiencing a passionate and adventurous love. You really see her transformation throughout, particularly in ‘If I Were A Bell’ where she finally lets herself go which is such a fun song to perform! Do you have a favourite song or scene in the show that you particularly enjoy performing? "Havana"would probably be my favourite musical number. It’s the point where we see Sarah letting go of her strict composure and chaos ensues! Our choreographer Crystalle had such a great and ambitious vision for this number and the whole cast get to go a bit wild! Sarah and Sky Masterson have a strong romantic storyline—how have you worked on building that chemistry? I didn’t know James too well before the rehearsal process, so a lot of it has being just getting to know each other and building trust between us. It’s felt so easy and natural working with him. |
Have you played any contrasting roles in the past that are very different from Sarah?
I think the most contrasting role would be Regina in Rock of Ages which I performed with SODS in 2016. The belty rock numbers and lycra bodysuits couldn’t be more opposite to this part!
What’s your life like away from the stage—what do you do when you’re not rehearsing or performing?
When I’m not rehearsing I’m mostly being kept busy running my calligraphy business and being mummy to my 3 year old son. Rehearsals are definitely my switch-off time from a very hectic day-to-day.
What has been the most rewarding part of rehearsing this production so far?
I started performing in the local am-dram scene 15 years ago and Sarah Brown was actually my first lead part back in 2012 so it’s been really special and a bit of a full-circle moment to revisit this character again! It’s a show that means a lot to me so the reward has just been getting to do it all again with such an amazing, supportive group of people.
I think the most contrasting role would be Regina in Rock of Ages which I performed with SODS in 2016. The belty rock numbers and lycra bodysuits couldn’t be more opposite to this part!
What’s your life like away from the stage—what do you do when you’re not rehearsing or performing?
When I’m not rehearsing I’m mostly being kept busy running my calligraphy business and being mummy to my 3 year old son. Rehearsals are definitely my switch-off time from a very hectic day-to-day.
What has been the most rewarding part of rehearsing this production so far?
I started performing in the local am-dram scene 15 years ago and Sarah Brown was actually my first lead part back in 2012 so it’s been really special and a bit of a full-circle moment to revisit this character again! It’s a show that means a lot to me so the reward has just been getting to do it all again with such an amazing, supportive group of people.
Heather with co-star Lloyd in rehearsal
If you could swap roles with anyone else in the cast for a night, who would it be and why?
I think I’d swap with Nadia maybe just for one song! I adore Adelaide’s jazzy Hotbox musical numbers, but there’s absolutely no way I could pull off the New York accent so best not do a whole show!
What do you think makes Guys and Dolls such a timeless musical for audiences today?
It’s a wonderful story with a hilariously witty script and legendary musical score. Our production is a fresh, modern take on this classic and we can’t wait to perform it for you. Get your tickets now!
I think I’d swap with Nadia maybe just for one song! I adore Adelaide’s jazzy Hotbox musical numbers, but there’s absolutely no way I could pull off the New York accent so best not do a whole show!
What do you think makes Guys and Dolls such a timeless musical for audiences today?
It’s a wonderful story with a hilariously witty script and legendary musical score. Our production is a fresh, modern take on this classic and we can’t wait to perform it for you. Get your tickets now!
Alex
Alex in rehearsal
|
How long have you been a member of Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society, and what first drew you to join?
I’ve been a member of LODS for 3 years, first starting backstage as stage manager for Little Mermaid. My friend James Cohen encouraged me to audition for Rock of Ages, and that became my first show. Nathan Detroit is such a fast-talking, lovable rogue—what’s been the biggest challenge in bringing him to life? The biggest challenge, I’d say, playing Nathan Detroit is that he never lets his energy drop. He is so high in intensity, from worrying about where the crap game can be hosted to making sure he does right by Adelaide. I’m going to need a few cups of coffee before each show! Do you see any of your own personality in Nathan, or are you completely different? I’m normally quite a chilled-out guy, but I do get bursts of mad energy like Nathan. I guess I’m just less of a gangster in real life! |
What’s your favourite moment or song in Guys and Dolls to perform, and why?
I really love performing alongside Nadia (playing Adelaide). She’s an incredible actress and is so generous when we work together; it makes each scene a joy to play.
Nathan has a complicated relationship with Adelaide—how have you approached building that dynamic on stage?
Nadia and I have worked a lot on these characters, spending time learning it inside out and back to front. It means we can really throw ourselves into it and still be truthful to this complex relationship Nathan and Adelaide have with one another.
Have you played any other standout roles with LODS or elsewhere that audiences might recognise you from?
My first role in LODS was Franz in Rock of Ages, another comedy role which I loved. I also performed at Christmas time last year as Jacob Marley in an original rock and roll musical of A Christmas Carol with Gobi Bear Productions.
What do you do outside of performing—does your day job have anything in common with life on stage?
I work in marketing, as well as picking up acting and voiceover work, so that all helps towards tackling a role like Nathan!
I really love performing alongside Nadia (playing Adelaide). She’s an incredible actress and is so generous when we work together; it makes each scene a joy to play.
Nathan has a complicated relationship with Adelaide—how have you approached building that dynamic on stage?
Nadia and I have worked a lot on these characters, spending time learning it inside out and back to front. It means we can really throw ourselves into it and still be truthful to this complex relationship Nathan and Adelaide have with one another.
Have you played any other standout roles with LODS or elsewhere that audiences might recognise you from?
My first role in LODS was Franz in Rock of Ages, another comedy role which I loved. I also performed at Christmas time last year as Jacob Marley in an original rock and roll musical of A Christmas Carol with Gobi Bear Productions.
What do you do outside of performing—does your day job have anything in common with life on stage?
I work in marketing, as well as picking up acting and voiceover work, so that all helps towards tackling a role like Nathan!
Alex in rehearsal with co-star Nadia who plays Miss Adelaide
Rehearsals for a show like this can be intense—what’s been a highlight or funny moment from this production so far?
I’ve had a brilliant time with the whole company during rehearsals. Every single member of the cast is so warm, kind, and talented, so it’s just pure fun to work with everyone.
If you could play any other role in Guys and Dolls, who would it be?
I’d love to have played Harry the Horse if I wasn’t playing Nathan—he has some great lines in the show!
Why should audiences come and see this production at the Palace Theatre this May?
People should 100% come and see this show. The whole company is just incredible, and with the amazing work of the creative team, there are some brilliant big numbers that will be great fun to watch! Just sit down and don’t rock the boat—buy your tickets now!
I’ve had a brilliant time with the whole company during rehearsals. Every single member of the cast is so warm, kind, and talented, so it’s just pure fun to work with everyone.
If you could play any other role in Guys and Dolls, who would it be?
I’d love to have played Harry the Horse if I wasn’t playing Nathan—he has some great lines in the show!
Why should audiences come and see this production at the Palace Theatre this May?
People should 100% come and see this show. The whole company is just incredible, and with the amazing work of the creative team, there are some brilliant big numbers that will be great fun to watch! Just sit down and don’t rock the boat—buy your tickets now!