The Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival is back for another year at Sophia Gardens, jam-packed full of incredible shows for everyone.

The latest show of the festival is the iconic, upbeat musical, Guys and Dolls, and I was lucky enough to be invited to come along and review it.

I didn’t know much about the show going in but I’d heard such great things, so I was excited to see how this company would bring this classic musical to life on stage. And I was not disappointed! With an electric energy that consumed the audience, as the top-tapping numbers and exciting choreography transported us to the smoky streets of 1950s New York. 

The story follows gangster and gambler, Nathan Detroit and his efforts to set up illegal craps games. Dodging the authorities, risky bets and dealing with his long-time nightclub performer fiancé, Nathan’s life is anything but simple.

This is just the upbeat show we all need. The hilarious physical comedy and witty one liners had the audience laughing from start to finish. A particularly captivating dynamic duo on stage was Daniel Parker as Nicley-Nicley Johnson and Joe Green as Benny Southstreet. Aside from being incredible talents, they brought incredible energy every time they stepped on stage. 

Seeing such talent in an amateur dramatics performance was overwhelming, I was taken aback. Sky Masterson, portrayed by Josh Lewis and Sister Sarah Brown, portrayed by Elle Dance, took on these iconic roles and blew the audience away. The power and elegance of Elle Dance’s voice was unexpected. Both Josh and Elle stepped into the shoes of some of theatre’s most well known names with ease, bringing their own take to the roles and leading us to be swept up in their romantic story once again.

And how could I not mention the infamous Nathan Detroit, portrayed by Kristian Zgorzelski, who brought to life this hilarious, dynamic character with his high-energy performance. Alongside his fiance, Miss Adelaide, portrayed by Rhian Morwood, who’s bubbly performance had the audience in stitches, as well as giving us a surprisingly incredible vocal performance. 

It’s often a risk to have such a big cast, but this show definitely used it to their advantage. Being able to create such big, lively numbers added to the thrill of the performance. And I know the phrase ‘audience participation’ might make some people’s blood run cold, but the fleeting interactions between cast and audience, handing out telegrams, drinks and quippy conversations, added a new depth to the show.

This show is the upbeat, toe-tapping, hilarious show that everyone needs to see!

Guys and Dolls will be at the Open Air Theatre Festival in Sophia Gardens until 27th July, and tickets are selling fast so get yours now.

You can find out more about the Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

All photo credits to Cressida Ford