Last weekend’s wonderful production of Guys and Dolls reminds us why this musical is such a favourite. This was the third time that Newington has put on this show: the previous productions were in 1979 and 2005.

Described in a review in The Newingtonian as ‘a marvellous success’, the 1979 show was produced by the Headmaster, Tony Rae, and directed and choreographed by Bob James, who had come to Newington the year before. Appointed as an Economic teacher and later as Head of Creative Arts, Bob had worked professionally in music and theatre and had taught and performed jazz, contemporary and classical ballet in London. It was no surprise that the staging, choreography and fine dancing were impressive features of the production.

So, too, was the music. Both the 46-strong chorus of ‘guys’ and ‘dolls’ and the solo singers were expertly trained by Elizabeth Swain OAM, the College’s Director of Music for 22 years. There were two instrumental ensembles: the nine-piece ‘Mission Band’ and the 21-strong orchestra, led by Music teacher and band leader Jim Holbert.

The show’s lighting was described as ‘by far the most ambitious ever used at the school’, while the backdrop of the stark New York skyline made a great visual impact.

More than seventy boys took part in the production on and off the stage, along with a number of staff and parents. The show featured twenty-six girls and was one of three productions that year — along with Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde and ‘An Evening of Song, Poetry, Dance’ — in which girls from Meriden, MLC School and PLC Sydney took part.

David Roberts
College Archivist