Guys & Dolls
A Royal Exchange Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company co-production.
Guys & Dolls
A musical fable of Broadway based on the story and characters of Damon Runyon
Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Directed by Michael Buffong
2 December – 27 January 2018
Press Night: Wednesday 6 December 7.30pm – The Royal Exchange Theatre
Damon Runyon’s infamous stories of the New York underworld capture the allure of secrecy and the romance of living on the edge.
When the stakes are high the bets get even higher: Sky Masterson and Nathan Detroit take every opportunity to hustle, settling every dispute with a roll of the dice ... until love changes everything.
This Christmas the musical fable Guys & Dolls is transported to Harlem at its pre-war height, and bursts into seductive life with unforgettable songs including LUCK BE A LADY, SIT DOWN YOU'RE ROCKING THE BOAT, and the irresistibly infectious title number - which all come together to create the perfect celebratory night out.
This co-production between Royal Exchange Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company sees director Michael Buffong shift the action of this classic musical to the streets of Harlem, New York City. With choreography from Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy GUYS AND DOLLS bursts onto the Royal Exchange Theatre's stage this Christmas from 2 December 2017 – 27 January 2018.
Michael Buffong, Artistic Director, Talawa Theatre Company
"Having fun is a big part of who we are ... with Guys & Dolls we're going to do just that; expect great song and dance numbers, superb music, awesome spectacle and a very special sense of high-energy occasion as we take to the stage in this dazzling Royal Exchange Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company co-production.”
Michael Buffong is the Artistic Director of Talawa Theatre Company. His credits for the Royal Exchange Theatre include the critically acclaimed KING LEAR, ALL MY SONS (with Don Warrington) and A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Other theatre credits include: GOD’S PROPERTY (Talawa Theatre Company, Soho Theatre and the Albany); THE SERPENT’S TOOTH (Talawa Theatre Company and Almeida Theatre); MOON ON A RAINBOW SHAWL (Royal National Theatre).
Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy is Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director of Boy Blue Entertainment, Associate Artists of the Barbican, and one of the top choreographers and performers in the UK urban, commercial and theatrical scenes. Kenrick’s credits are extensive and include theatre, TV and film, both nationally and internationally. BBE’s most recent work, BLAK WHYTE GRAY, is nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production.