Belfast Operatic Company’s next major production will be the musical comedy classic Guys and Dolls, which will take to the stage at the Grand Opera House this May.

Following a landmark year which saw the company make history with the amateur premiere of Les Misérables, along with a spectacular performance at Royal Albert Hall, the company is now inviting audiences to swap the barricades for a touch of Broadway glamour in the vibrant new show.

The production will be directed by Kerry Rodgers, who returns to the Grand Opera House after helming a series of acclaimed large-scale productions with the company.

"After the emotional weight and intensity of recent shows, Guys and Dolls feels like a celebration,” said Kerry. “It’s witty, stylish and full of heart and what I love about it is that is really reminds you just how joyful musical theatre can be.

The cast and director of Guys and Dolls opening in the Grand Opera House in May. From left: Emiko Seawright playing Miss Adelaide, Greg Fox playing Nathan Detroit, Director Kerry Rodgers, Naomi Smyth playing Sarah Brown. Picture: supplied by Belfast Operatic Society.

placeholder image — The cast and director of Guys and Dolls opening in the Grand Opera House in May. From left: Emiko Seawright playing Miss Adelaide, Greg Fox playing Nathan Detroit, Director Kerry Rodgers, Naomi Smyth playing Sarah Brown. Picture: supplied by Belfast Operatic Society.

"Rehearsals are well underway and we are having an absolute blast, it’s really good for the soul to be involved in such a fun production and I don’t doubt that feeling will be evident for the audience also when it comes to show time!”

Set in the colourful, fast-talking world of 1950s New York, Guys and Dolls follows gamblers, showgirls and unlikely romantics as their lives collide in a whirlwind of dice rolls, dance numbers and unforgettable songs. Featuring iconic numbers including “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’the Boat”, the musical remains one of Broadway’s most beloved classics.

For the cast, the production marks an exciting shift after a year dominated by darker, dramatic material.

"This show is pure fun,” said Naomi Smyth who takes on the role of Sarah Brown, the earnest missionary, “It’s fast, funny and bursting with energy. Audiences are in for a real treat.”

Principle cast of Guys and Dolls coming to the Grand Opera House in May. From left: Dessie Havlin playing Sky Masterson, Naomi Smyth, playing Sarah Brown, Emiko Seawright playing Miss Adelaide and Greg Fox playing Nathan Detroit. Picture: supplied by Belfast Operatic Society.

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Sky Masterson, the shows high rolling, smooth talking and very suave gambler is portrayed by Dessie Havlin who says the talent in rehearsals is "off the scale”.

“I’ve been with Belfast Operatic Company for two years now and I am still blown away by the professionalism and sheer talent of my colleagues, there is a real work ethic underpinned with true passion and joy, we all are enjoying every minute of rehearsals and truly thankful for every opportunity Belfast Operatic Company has brought us.”

With a reputation for delivering ambitious, high-quality productions on Northern Ireland’s biggest stages, Belfast Operatic Company continues to raise the bar for amateur theatre, combining local talent with professional-level production values.

Guys and Dolls runs at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, from Tuesday, May 12 – Saturday, May 16.