Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge until Saturday 17th January 2026
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
Last night at The Cambridge Arts Theatre, the Cambridge Operatic Society—celebrating an impressive 115 years of bringing musical theatre to our city—delivered a thoroughly engaging production of Frank Loesser’s beloved 1950 musical comedy “Guys and Dolls”. While there’s always a risk that a show dealing with gamblers, showgirls, and old-fashioned gender dynamics might feel dated, this production proved that with the right vision and talented performers, the magic of Damon Runyon’s short stories remains as captivating as ever.
Co-directors and choreographers Helen Petrovna and David Barrett opted for simple black sets and lighting. This minimalism worked beautifully, allowing the audience’s imagination to conjure the smoky bars, bustling clubs, and shadowy street corners of 1950s New York City. Rather than being a limitation, the spare aesthetic placed the focus squarely on the performers, who rose magnificently to the challenge.
The ensemble deserves particular praise. As one might expect from an operatic society, their vocal work was exceptional. But beyond their singing, the cast used Barrett and Petrovna’s choreography to brilliant effect, creating the unceasing energy and bustle that Runyon’s stories demand. There’s always a danger that such a familiar show might feel jaded, but this production was anything but—it felt fresh, vital, and genuinely entertaining.
Luke Thomas brought considerable charm and swagger to Sky Masterson, the smooth-talking gambler, while Saskia Edwards-Korolczuk’s Sarah Brown was wonderfully nuanced, showing the Save-a-Soul missionary’s journey from righteous certainty to unexpected romance. The chemistry between Thomas and Edwards-Korolczuk was palpable, making their unlikely love story genuinely touching. Meanwhile, Vikki Jones was superb as Miss Adelaide, the long-suffering nightclub performer, delivering both the comedy and pathos of a woman who’s been engaged for fourteen years. Jones was utterly charming, earning some of the evening’s warmest applause.
Musical director James Harvey and the band deserve considerable credit for their splendid work. Two particular highlights stood out: “Luck Be a Lady,” performed with thrilling intensity during the crucial crap game scene, and the show-stopping “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat”.
Many audience members will have seen “Guys and Dolls” before—it’s one of musical theatre’s most enduring classics. What makes this Cambridge Operatic Society production worth seeing is not just familiarity with beloved songs and storylines but witnessing what this talented local company has accomplished with the material. They’ve created a production that honours the show’s golden age roots while making it feel immediate and alive for contemporary audiences.
This is community theatre at its finest—ambitious, accomplished, and thoroughly enjoyable.