Words by Olivia Celenza

The origins of Guy and Dolls stems from one man. Coming from a long line of newspaperman, fiction writer and journalist Damon Runyon, who kept it in the family throughout his larger-than-life accounts of boxing and baseball, as well as the mobsters, gambles, and hustles that reigned the streets of prohibition-era New York City with beer bottles and broken glass.

The musical was the brainchild of Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin. Lyricist and composer Frank Loesser was tasked with the challenge of bringing Runyon’s vision of the city that never sleeps to the stage. The first version of the show was brought to life through the leadership of Jo Sterling, but was later rewritten by Abe Burrows, who seamlessly intertwined the story and songs

Guys and Dolls remains at the forefront of audience’s minds everywhere. Numerous big names have been attached to its revivals with Richard Eyre’s Olivier Award-winning 1982 production starring Bob Hoskins, Ian Charleson, and Julia McKenzie at the National Theatre leaving quite a memorable mark. This was so much so that The National Theatre revived the show AGAIN with the incomparable talents of Henry Goodman, Clarke Peters, Joanna Riding, Clive Rowe, and Imelda Stauton. 

In 1992, Jerry Zaks helmed a new era with his Broadway revival, starring Broadway icon Nathan Lane, alongside a colorful cast consisting of Faith Prince, Joise de Guzman, and Peter Gallagher. 17 years later, Des McAnuff led another production of the show in New York starring Lauren Graham, who was making her Broadway debut at the time but was met with mixed reviews. 

Hopping across the Pond, A West End production of the show was championed by Michael Grandage, with some of its most notable stars being Ewan McGregor, Jane Krakowski, Doulas Hodge, and Jenna Russel. 

This of course leads us to today in which Guys and Dolls has had a rebirth at the Bridge Theatre where three-time Tony winner Nicholas Hytner will bring the first ever musical to the London venue. Since it began performances on February 27th, 2023, Hytner’s gamble with a new vision of the 1950s classic has truly paid off as it has garnered much acclaim, especially since the edition of Owain Arthur as Nathan Detroit on July 17th, 2023, who we had the pleasure of interviewing. 

The Welsh actor skyrocketed to fame through his portrayal of Francis Henshall in One Man Two Guvnors.

“It was my first opportunity to lead a show and therefore had the most impact on an audience each night. I learnt so much about my craft and myself personally during that time. I’ll forever hold it close to my heart.”

Before that, Arthur spent much of his time performing for Comedy of Errors, Royal Change Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company, where he found his voice and identity within the theatre community as well as overcame many of its obstacles. 

“The one that springs to mind now was acting in the English language for the first time and it took a while to feel at ease with it. Welsh is my first language and therefore the one I find most comfortable to express myself and connect with. I had to work hard whilst studying at Guildhall to find that ease through the English language and it took a few roles on stage and screen to get over that barrier even after graduating.” 

Guys and Dolls marks Arthur’s first musical. While the challenge in and of itself was enough for him to go all in, he was also fascinated by the show’s leading man, Nathan Detroit. 

“He’s under pressure from the get-go and is pulled in every direction in search of cash, status and a good reputation whilst trying to keep the love of his life happy of course. Things don’t quite work out the way he wants them to and that’s where the comedy pings out with him. In our production having that relationship with the audience doubles the intensity, excitement and comedy.”

Still, one can’t help but wonder about the relevance of a show created in the 1950s and how it can continue to tell an impactful narrative even within the political and social climates of today. Arthur remained optimistic about the seemingly timeless tale.

“I feel like it could have been written yesterday but still holds the authenticity of the 50’s. The relationship between Adelaide and Nathan could be perceived as old fashioned on the first read of the script but I was determined to give them the love and passion that I think exists between the men and women of today. I think it’s Nathan’s fear of change that holds him back from marrying Adelaide at the top of the show but it’s Adelaide’s newfound strength and control that gets the job done. Essentially, it’s the power of the women in our show that makes Guys and Dolls relevant today. Every number is fresh and up to date and so exciting.”

Arthur hopes that “the script and the music remain the stars of the show”

“I can only hope that my work does it justice and therefore the audience have a good time. My job is to be funny!”

Arthur will be performing in Guys And Dolls until the 16th of October.