Birmingham & Midland Operatic Society (BMSO) are making a welcome return to The Alexandra this week with Guys And Dolls. It’s been two years since the 136-year-old amateur musical theatre company last trod the Alex’s boards, so it’s great to see them back in the saddle. 

Telling a funny musical story of gambling, luck and love under the bright lights of Broadway, Guys And Dolls has been delighting audiences since the 1950s, first as a stage musical, then as a movie starring Marlon Brandon, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blane. The show has many a catchy, toe-tapping song to recommend it, including Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat, Luck Be A Lady and I’ve Never Been In Love Before.

The story pivots around a quartet of characters: good-hearted gambler Nathan Detroit; his long-suffering fiancé, Miss Adelaide; high-stakes gambler Sky Masterson; and mission worker Sarah Brown, with whom Sky falls in love. 

All four were impressively portrayed in last night’s show. A special mention must, however, go to Annabel Pilcher as Sarah, who captivated the audience with her stunning vocals. Similarly, Jo Smith should be congratulated for maintaining the squeaky speaking and singing voice of Miss Adelaide throughout the entire performance! 

Meanwhile, there were laughs aplenty provided by the excellent Michaela Hinton, who frequently stole the show in the cameo role of the Bag Lady. 

The whole BMSO cast exude professionalism, and with well-executed choreography accompanying vocals that were impressive across the board, the show was splendidly entertaining and extremely well received by the audience, who responded with real enthusiasm. 

Four stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at The Alexandra, Birmingham, on Wednesday 29 June. Guys And Dolls continues to show at the theatre until Sat 2 July.