Set in the hustle and bustle of Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. There are plentiful roles for men and women. The central characters need to be strong singers, but there are multiple roles for people who can sing a bit, as well as for good dancers. If you don’t see yourself as either a singer or a dancer, come along anyway - there will be plenty to get stuck into! We need a big ensemble of gamblers, missionaries, policemen, dancers, street vendors, bartenders and the people of New York!
Because this is a bigger show than usual we are casting early and will start work on the songs and choreography from May 2027. Performances will be in October 2027, and the show will be directed by Cathy Edwards-Gill, with Musical Direction by Andrew Wheeler.
Auditions will take place in the main hall at the Harleston Sancroft Academy, Wilderness Lane on
Sunday October 11th 9am – 12pm
Sunday October 18th 9am – 12pm and
Sunday October 25th 10am – 4pm
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Cathy Edwards-Gill at cannonballgirl@rocketmail.com or on Facebook Messenger.
Overture/Runyonland
The show opens with a pantomime establishing New York City in all its hustle and bustle. Showgirls, pretzel sellers, gamblers, barbers, shoe shiners, and Salvation Army officers are all part of the whirl of energy.
“Fugue for Tinhorns”
Gamblers Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet, and Rusty Charlie debate which horse will win a big race in a rhythmic three-part harmony.
“Follow the Fold”
The Save-a-Soul mission, led by the beautiful and dedicated Sergeant Sarah Brown, sings this call to arms as they seek out sinners.
“The Oldest Established”
Why, it’s good old reliable Nathan! The gamblers need a venue for the “oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York” but their mastermind Nathan Detroit is broke and can’t afford the $1000 deposit on the Biltmore Garage. Nathan bets star gambler Sky Masterson that he can’t take the pious Sarah on a date to Havana. Sky accepts the challenge.
“I’ll Know”
Sky visits the mission and offers to deliver “one dozen genuine sinners” in return for a date in Havana. Sarah is disgusted and refuses. She has her ideal man all planned out: “I’ll know by his calm steady voice / Those feet on the ground / I’ll know as I run to his arms / That at last I’ll come home safe and sound.” For Sky, finding love will be a case of “chance and chemistry”: “I won’t ever ask, am I wise, am I right am I smart?” They sing the final lines together and share a kiss. Shocked at what’s happened, Sarah slaps him.
“I’ll Know” (Reprise)
Sarah doubles down on her resolve to find true love with an honourable man and not settle for “some fly by night Broadway romance”.
“A Bushel and a Peck”
Nathan and his showgirl fiancée Miss Adelaide have been engaged for 14 years to the day. In typical Nathan fashion, he’s forgotten to buy her a present. But she has to put on a show in her act at the Hotbox nightclub, in which she and her “farmerettes” perform as farm girls in suggestive outfits.
“Adelaide’s Lament”
Poor Adelaide is fed up. She’s told her mother that she and Nathan have been married for years and have a brood of children. She also has a pesky cold that just won’t go away. The pop psychology book she’s reading suggests a permanent cold is the manifestation of the frustration of being permanently engaged, leaving her with “a post-nasal drip”. This number is a comic masterpiece that evokes plenty of empathy for this wonderful character.
“Guys and Dolls”
The title song, sung by Nicely-Nicely and Benny, who question how “A smart businessman like Nathan should go and fall in love with his own fiancée.” They don't understand it but guys everywhere are: “Call it hell, call it heaven / But it’s a probable twelve to seven / That the guy’s only doing it for some doll”.
“Havana”
Sarah agrees to go to Havana with Sky after General Cartwright tells her that the mission will be closed due to lack of interest. In Havana, Sarah indulges on dulce de leche milkshakes, unaware that they contain rum. They dance (not only with each other) and a different side to the uptight mission doll is revealed. They kiss.
“If I Were a Bell”
Before getting on the plane back to New York, an uninhibited Sarah lets her hair down and expresses her feelings to Sky: “Well, sir, all I can say is that if I were a bell I’d be ringing.” There’s a lovely selection of metaphors in this number, culminating in “Pal, if I were salad, I know I’d be splashing my dressing.” “Yeah, chemistry,” indeed.
“My Time of Day”
Back in New York in the early hours of the morning, Sky tells Sarah that his favourite time of day is “When the street belongs to the cop / And the janitor with the mop / … And you’re the only doll I’ve ever wanted to share it with me.” He admits that his real name is Obadiah.
“I’ve Never Been in Love Before”
Sky and Sarah admit that they’ve fallen for each other, a new experience for both (“I thought my heart was safe / I thought I knew the score…”) and sing this lovely romantic duet. However, the mood is spoiled when gamblers rush out of the mission and Sarah assumes that Sky was using her so that they could hold the crap game in her absence.
“Take Back Your Mink”
Back at the Hotbox, Adelaide is in full showgirl mode, supported by her “debutantes”, as she cuts ties with a suitor who has tried to buy her with expensive gifts. It’s a fabulous song and dance number and Adelaide is in a particularly exuberant mood as she and Nathan are planning to elope that evening. Finally!
“Adelaide’s Lament” (Reprise)
Oh no, Nathan has cancelled yet again! A heartbroken Adelaide suspects she has “So much virus inside / That her microscope slide / Looks like a day at the zoo”.
“More I Cannot Wish You”
Sarah confides in her grandfather Arvide, a fellow mission worker, about Sky, who consoles her with this touching number about his wishes for her future.
“Luck Be a Lady”
Probably the best-known number in the score. Sky makes a bet with Nathan and friends. If he loses, he owes them $1000. If he wins, they have to go to Sarah’s prayer meeting with him. “I’ve bet my life on this roll,” sings Sky. This is his chance to get Sarah back. “Lady Luck” is personified as a mercurial figure – “A lady doesn’t wander all over the room / And blow on some other guy’s dice” but no gambler is ever guaranteed her loyalty.
“Sue Me”
Nathan’s reason for cancelling? He has to go to a prayer meeting! Who would think that his worst lie ever would actually be the truth? Adelaide, understandably, is at the end of her tether. “The best years of my life I was a fool to give to you.” Nathan does truly love her but what’s the use if he can’t commit?
“Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat”
General Cartwright is thrilled to see so many sinners in attendance. Nicely Nicely embraces the evangelical fervour and relates a dream about being on the boat to heaven with his dice and whisky, and his fellow passengers advising him to repent before he’s deported to hell. This number is an enormous showstopper infused with gospel influences and there are never enough encores.
“Marry the Man Today”
Adelaide and Sarah meet in a bar and drown their sorrows together. They’re better off without their men – but maybe there’s another way. After all, “You can’t get alterations on a dress you haven’t bought.” If they get the men down the aisle, they can then get to work: “Give him the girlish laughter / Give him your hand today / And save your fist for after.” Marriage is a gamble, after all!
“Finale”
It’s happy endings all round as Nathan and Adelaide finally tie the know, and we learn that Sky and Sarah were married that morning. Will the fellows settle down to domestic life? Who knows! But women as strong as Sarah and Adelaide aren’t going to take any nonsense.
There are plenty of fun characters in Guys and Dolls. The main protagonists are Sarah, Sky, Nathan and Adelaide. Nicely-Nicely, Benny Southstreet and Rusty Charlie are also key, and deliver some absolute showstoppers between them, so all the above need strong singing voices, and great comedy! Arvide Abernathy, Sarah’s grandfather is a lovely role with a touching solo song, and we need a tough cop – Lieutenant Brannigan, who permanently has his eye on Nathan and his crap-shooting associates. Then we have a very busy ensemble – there will be doubling, and tripling of roles – the 6 Hot Box Girls have two fantastic numbers and need to be able to dance and sing, the Missionaries are nice smaller roles, and we need lots of gamblers in roles of varying sizes, plus news vendors, street sellers, shoe shiners, Cuban dancers, waiters etc
It’s an undeniably feel-good show!
Nicely-Nicely Johnson
Just like his name suggests, he is the nicest and cheeriest of the gambling crooks. High-spirited and a bit naïve, but sincere and genuine. Nathan's loyal friend and lackey.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: Db3
Benny Southstreet
Nathan's right-hand man and a gambler himself. Smart, slick, always moving and shaking, but with what he thinks are Nathan's best interest at heart.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: Db3
Sarah Brown
A pretty, bright-eyed young woman who serves as Sergeant of the local Mission. She fully believes in her worthy cause and wishes to convert the gambling sinners to saints. Falls unexpectedly in love with Sky along the way. She is prudish and uptight, but eventually lets go.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: G#5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Arvide Abernathy
The bass drum and cymbal player in the Mission band, he is Sarah's loving grandfather. Wise and sweet, he wants nothing but the best for her.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Harry The Horse
A crook and gambler. He is a tough guy with dollar signs as his bottom line. Brings Big Jule into Nathan's craps game and backs his cheating but is also a man of his word in the gambling community.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Lt. Brannigan
A New York police officer who is on to Nathan's illegal craps games and is dead-set on catching him. A tough, no-nonsense character.
Gender: Male
Nathan Detroit
A good-hearted gambler and craps game organizer who could never hit the bigtime. He loves Adelaide but cannot quit his gambling ways. A broke schemer with unwitting ways.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Miss Adelaide
Nathan's fiancé and a lead performer at the Hot Box nightclub. She loves Nathan more than anything in the world and desperately wants to get married. Pretty, outspoken, stubborn.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Ab3
Sky Masterson
A high-stakes gambler whose luck never seems to run out, and a wild card who surprises himself when he falls in love with the unlikeliest of women. Suave, smart, handsome.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Big Jule
A big time craps player from Chicago who uses a gun and his own pair of rigged dice to bully his way into never losing. Big and tough looking. A bit of an oaf.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Rusty Charlie
Small-time gambler, part of Nathan Detroit's crew.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: Db3
Ensemble - Sightseers, Mission Band (Agatha, Calvin, Martha), General Cartwright (female), Crap Shooters (Liver Lips Louie, Angie The Ox and more), Hot Box Girls, Master of Ceremonies, Waiters, Cuban Dancers
We are thrilled to invite actors to audition for our upcoming production of Goodnight Mister Tom, directed by Meryl Raines, a deeply moving and timeless story of friendship, healing, and hope. Set during the dark days of the Second World War, the play follows young London evacuee William Beech as he is placed in the care of elderly rural recluse Tom Oakley, forming an extraordinary and life-changing bond. From two vastly different worlds, the only thing that can bring them together is love.
With over 30 characters, we are looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated company of adults and children ready to bring honesty and emotional depth to this powerful classic. There is the option for actors to play multiple roles across a range of ages, as well as having a larger cast. Actors would ideally work towards either a West Country and/or London accents, but this is not a necessity. The roles have been detailed below to give interested people an idea of what we are looking for, but we would love to see as many adults and children as possible! There is no need to prepare anything in advance. Just simply turn up!
The audition dates are as follows: Wednesday 9th September 7.30-10pm and Sunday 13th September 2-4pm. Both auditions will take place at Jays Green Community Centre in Harleston.
Performances are 29th/30th January and 4/5/6th February 2027
For further information or any queries, please email harlestonplayers@gmail.com
Child Roles:
William Beech: (playing age 10) – Very large role – requires a confident young actor with an unbroken voice. William is an emotionally demanding part, the character faces abuse, loss and trauma. London accent.
Zach: (playing age 11) – Large role – a Jewish boy from a theatrical family – requires an enthusiastic performer with an unbroken voice. Zach is a born performer with tap dancing, singing and acting skills. London accent/well-spoken.
Teen Roles Actors aged between 11-17 are invited to audition for these roles. They will also play an active role in the ensemble.
George: (playing age 10) – Medium role – youngest son of Mrs Fletcher, West Country accent.
Carrie: (playing age 11) – Medium role – the ‘academic’ twin. West Country accent.
Ginnie: (playing age 11) – Medium role – the ‘practical’ twin. West Country accent.
Miss Miller: (playing age 15-17) – Smaller role – local teen who supports her family in the shop. West Country accent.
Adult Roles All doubling is flexible, all those auditioning for ensemble roles will need to perform with both a West Country and London accent:
Tom Oakley: (60s) – Very Large role – Grief-stricken recluse who finds love and companionship through his relationship with Will. West Country accent.
David Hartridge/Policeman: (20s-30s) – recently married RAF pilot, London Policeman.
Mr Miller/ARP Warden: (30+) – local shopkeeper, London Air Raid Warden.
Dr Little/Ticket Collector: (40+)– local doctor, London Ticket Collector.
Charlie Ruddles/Vicar/Mr Stelton: (any age) Country ARP warden, Country Vicar roped into local amateur dramatics, Mr Skelton, psychiatrist.
Mrs Beech: (late 20s-30s) – smaller role – Will’s religious and abusive mother (London accent).
Mrs Annie Hartridge/Nurse: (20s-30s) – Mrs Hartridge local school teacher, London Nurse.
Mrs Thorne/Billeting Officer/Sister: (30+) – Mrs Thorne, runs the local amateur dramatics group, local billeting officer, London nurse.
Mrs Fletcher/Glad/Social Worker: (40+) – Mrs Fletcher local housewife, mother of George, Glad – warm hearted Londoner, social worker.
Puppeteer: (any age) is required to play Sammy the dog who is an integral part of the play – large role.