Richard Eyre's superb 1982 staging of Guys and Dolls ran for months at the National Theatre's Olivier stage, with impressive sets by a regular collaborator John Gunter (who had designed with him at the Edinburgh Lyceum ten years earlier). The costumes by Sue Blane and musical staging by David Toguri were just as impressive.
The original London cast (which was recorded) includes Bob Hoskins (Nathan), Julia McKenzie (Miss Adelaide), Julie Covington (Sarah Brown) and Ian Charleson (Sky Masterson). Later in the run those roles were taken variously by Trevor Peacock, Imelda Staunton, Belinda Sinclair, and Paul Jones.
David Healy gave a magnetic performance as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, from the start of the London run, continuing through the various London revivals and then joining the provincial tour.
The original London cast also included a young Scottish actor, Bill Paterson, as Harry the Horse.
The touing company was notable for an early appearance by Clarke Peters as Sky Masterson. Surprise casting involved the appearance of the Glasgow-born singing star Lulu, not previously associated with either acting or dancing. Her performance was completely successful.
Complete Edinburgh performance schedule to be confirmed.
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