Review from "The Community Magazine - Issue 28th October, 2005" - www.icwessex.co.uk

Guys and Dolls - The Barrington Theatre, Ferndown
ANY production of a show which has you still humming the songs to yourself four days later has to have got something right. In the case of Guys and Dolls, Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society got it very right. There's one thing that any production of Guys and Dolls needs in abundance, and that is men, not always an easy thing to fulfil in amateur circles. But for this show, there were plenty of men and they stole the show with their wonderful performance of Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat. Dancing, timing and rhythm all were spot on as they had the audience bobbing along to the beat. Luck be a Lady and The Oldest Established were also excellent. And it was wonderful to see young men amongst the crap shooters showing again that there is plenty of talent coming up through the amateur scene.
However it wasn't just the men who made this production worthy of the raptuous applause it justly received. Long suffering Miss Adelaide was played absolutely brilliantly by the vivacious Gaynor Adnett, who captured the New York accent well and evoked sympathy and affection from the audience. We all activly willed Nathan Detroit, whose roguish charm was brought to life by Syd Young, to actually get round to marrying her.
Michael Leggett was convincing as smooth talking Sky Masterson who miraculously converts from gambling sinner to Salvation Army campaigner all because of the love of a doll, in this case Sarah Brown, played suitably meekly by Catherine Ruff.
Mike Hutchings should also be praised for his heartfelt performance of More I Cannot Wish You in his role as Arvide Abernathy.
This was one of those wonderful performances when it was clear that everyone on the stage was having a great time. This was especially true of the scene in Havana when enthusiastic dancing and singing came together to wonderful effect.
Special mention must go to the members of Ringwood Salvation Army band who tried hard to win the souls of the audience as well as the gambling sinners with their playing of Follow the Fold. Full marks here to director Sonia Gilson for authenticity.
What was also notable about the show was the action going on off stage. The audience was loving every moment, and this was especially so for the children of some of the performers. They must have heard the numbers countless times before but were enjoying it as if it was the world premiere.
LT

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