Guys and Dolls returns to the stage at MK Theatre from Tuesday (June 14), with an all star cast ready to wow you on a journey back in time to prohibition-era New York.
Maxwell Caulfield - last seen here in the outstanding Singin' in the Rain, is back, this time as Nathan Detroit, joined by former Corrie star Richard Fleeshman in the role of notorious gambler Sky Masterson.
Its arrival in Milton Keynes gives fans of local lady Louise Dearman their first opportunity to see the West End star on local soil for some time.
Louise is the only actress to play both roles – Glinda and Elphaba – in Wicked, and her many other stage successes include Grease, Cats and memorably, a terrific turn as Eva Peron in Evita.
Once more proving her talent and versatility, she plays Nathan's fiancee Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. But after 14 years waiting for wedding bells, her patience is nearly all out with Mr Detroit!
Louise talked us through the show...
What makes this show so special for you?
I have loved Guys and Dolls since I was in a different production 10 years ago! It's a perfect example of what is required to make a musical work - a brilliant story which is brimming with energy, fun and most importantly heart and soul.
The music is thrilling and it’s just an all-round feel good show.
Tell us a little about the role you play?
I play Miss Adelaide who has worked in the Hotbox club for years. She is a fun loving, sweet woman who may not be the sharpest tool in the box but she is so giving and loving.
What's so beautiful is how the audience embrace her as a character and will her to get what she really wants in life, to be married to Nathan, her fiancé of 14 years and to be happy.
He just won't commit for fear of leaving his gambling lifestyle behind and so along the way she suffers heartache and constant let downs but it all comes good for her.
As a local girl, why is MK Theatre so special to you?
I used to work at MK Theatre when it first opened. I had finished Joseph on tour and was between jobs so I decided that the best thing for me would be to surround myself was all things theatre whilst auditioning.
I loved it, I got to watch so many wonderful productions and then serve drinks, ice-creams and programmes in the interval!
I don't live too far from there now and so it's always lovely to come back.
What’s your fondest memory?
Theatre; I remember working with such a lovely group of people, we had such fun. There was one pantomime in particular, Peter Pan, which was at MK Theatre that Christmas I was working there and I knew some of the cast and so we got to hang out.
I remember at the Christmas party I got up to sing Celine Dion on karaoke (which I never normally do by the way!!) and everyone was a little shocked that the usher could actually sing!
What's next for you, any plans beyond the summer
This has been the most wonderful year so far, Guys and Dolls, touring Europe and the UK with Josh Groban, then a little holiday before starting the UK premiere of the musical Sideshow which I'm so excited for!
To book tickets for Guys and Dolls visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
