On 10 and 11 March 2016, the Fifth Form performed their rendition of the world-renowned musical Guys and Dolls. The cast worked imaginatively to bring the liveliness of New York to Hinsley Hall and create the adult world of sin, love, and gambling in the time of prohibition. A popular story full of well-loved songs, this show proposed a considerable challenge for any prep school cast to undertake. However, Mr Clarke rightfully had the confidence that this particular year group had the talent and dedication to pull it off.
The show follows Nathan Detroit’s desperate attempt to get the cash needed to host a game for the impatient crapshooters who are all loaded with money, while hiding it from his fiancée of 14 years, Hot Box dancer Miss Adelaide. To do this, he bets notoriously confident gambler Sky Masterson that he can’t take straight-laced Mission doll Sarah to Havana with him - a bet Nathan surely can’t lose. But Sky has a plan. With the Mission threatening to close, can he tempt Sarah to Cuba with the prospect of sinners to convert? Sky ends up getting more than he bargains for- there’s a lot more than dough riding on this one.
Supporting the lead characters carrying the plot were a wide array of different ensemble parts that attracted their share of the limelight. The creation of distinct characters within the Mission Band, Crapshooters, Hot Box Girls and New Yorkers helped create vibrant background action which really energised the show. The setting of the streets of New York would not have been realised quite as well without the work put into characterisation of all parts on stage, which brought quite a sense of realism into the ensemble scenes. Many of the actors (including the non-speakers) enjoyed comedy moments which almost stole the show. The tired mother who kept producing more and more babies; the efforts of a dog walker to tame her energetic hound also got laughs throughout-without saying a word. It is moments such as these- unscripted and developed by Fifth Form themselves- that made the show as unique and personal as it was.
The show was blessed by its phenomenal set painted and adorned by volunteers from the Fifth Form. The visually stunning backdrop depicting a colourful cityscape was illuminated by UV light, which made the neon advertising signs jump off the back and brought liveliness and technicolour to the show. The production was peppered with other memorable technical elements which brought the action to life, such as the smashing of a sugar bottle over a barman’s head and the dripping of fake blood out of Big Jule’s mouth, having been on the receiving end of Sky’s right fist.
However, it was arguably the talented execution of the fabulous musical numbers that brought fame to Guys and Dolls in the first place that gave this production its real star quality. Across the board the lead actors all sang sublimely, with Nicely-Nicely Johnson rendition of ‘Sit down you’re rocking the boat’ exuding a particular sense of energy and charm. But supporting this group were a strong ensemble; songs were brought to life by the dance direction of Ms Harris, whose choreography could be seen to rival that of the West End production currently running. The scenes in Cuba and the Hot Box girls were particularly memorable, perfectly capturing the party atmosphere of these underground establishments during the time of prohibition.
Extremely well-received by parents, pupils and teachers alike, the Fifth Form production of Guys and Dolls was a storming success. Moreover, Mr Clarke himself is over the moon to have finally fulfilled his ambition of directing his dream show.