Opera Australia’s Guys and Dolls, staged on the glittering outdoor stage of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, is a riot of colour, charm, and charisma. With the sparkling city skyline as its backdrop and a production bursting with oversized spectacle, this rendition of the beloved Golden Age musical is nothing short of a theatrical jackpot.
Directed with infectious energy by Shaun Rennie, this production fully embraces the larger-than-life world of gamblers, showgirls, and missionaries. The audacious set design by Brian Thomson and costume design by Jennifer Irwin plays with scale and surprise – from a giant yellow taxi cab centrepiece to clever “out-of-the-box” gambling motifs that feel pulled straight from a comic book. It’s a visual feast, equal parts Broadway pizzazz and Sydney swagger. Irwin’s era-perfect costumes are bold, vibrant, and glitter with mid-century flair, though one has to pity the feathered and furred showgirls of the Hot Box whenever the autumnal rains arrive.
Kelly Abbey’s choreography keeps the action pumping, delivering dazzling ensemble work that makes the floating stage feel alive with rhythm. The male ensemble, in particular, shines in beautifully blended acapella moments that punctuate key scenes with warmth and harmony, while the female dance corps high-kick and hoof their way through high-octane routines with polish and panache.
At the helm of the musical forces, Guy Simpson’s tight direction ensures that both orchestra and vocals are crisp and compelling. The score soars and the sound team deserves praise for the clarity of every note and lyric, which is no easy feat in an open-air setting. Unfortunately, some of the mic tracks were mixed on opening night, and we had the MD’s mic coming through during the show.
The cast is uniformly strong, with the five leads bringing buckets of charisma and vocal chops. Cody Simpson is a cool and confident Sky Masterson, smooth in both his singing and stage presence. Bobby Fox charms as the hapless hustler Nathan Detroit, striking the perfect balance between desperation and devotion. Jason Arrow nearly steals the entire second act as Nicely Nicely Johnson – his vocal fireworks in the show-stopping Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat and its reprises earned roars of approval from the audience.
The leading ladies, however, are the true stars. Annie Aitken is radiant like Sarah Brown; her classical training gives her vocals purity and control that suit the role exquisitely. Angelina Thomson is a delight as Miss Adelaide, marrying comic timing with surprising emotional depth. Her chemistry with Fox is endearing, and her rendition of Adelaide’s Lament is a comedic highlight.
Special mention must also go to Thomas Campbell, whose Lt. Brannigan is a hilarious standout thanks to his bold accent choices, and Scarlet Lindsay, whose turn as the Hot Box announcer adds yet another layer of comedy to an already joy-filled production.
This is a Guys and Dolls that revels in the joy of performance. With its stunning harbour backdrop, top-tier talent, and a creative team firing on all cylinders, Opera Australia’s latest spectacle is a knockout night at the theatre – fun, nostalgic, and fabulously over the top. Don’t miss your chance to bet on this winning ticket.
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world trying new gin.
Guys and Dolls runs for 3 hours (with 35 min interval) and plays at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour through 20 April 2025. Tickets are available through Opera Australia.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of Opera Australia.
Image credit: Opera Australia
