The lives and loves of the ladies and gentlemen of downtown little old New York were chronicled by Damon Runyon, in his own fashion, in "Guys and Dolls".
The form was the short story, the style unique. So happy a conjunction, it might be argued, ought not to be tampered with. But, refusing to regard it as holy writ, along came Loesser, Swerling and Burrows and turned it into one of the liveliest musicals ever.
Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Societyare currently giving it an airing and anyone who enjoys an effervescent performance and particularly melodious numbers will find this very much to their taste.
Anyone who can go home without whistling some tune or other from the show must be a dull dog indeed.
Particularly impressive in this production, by Audrey Raistrick, is the ensemble work which gives stability and confidence to the principals.
And the principals themselves are acceptably even and strong. Graham Yardley as Nathan Detroit, Glenys Poole as Miss Adelaide, Mike Taylor as Sky Masterson and Irene Bowers as Sarah Brown attack their parts with authority.
The current high standard of Walmsley productions is maintained - not least in the complicated set changes which this musical demands.
