HAOS had a blast "Rocking the boat" this May

HAOS often take on a new musical, but it was a twist to produce a first for us that premiered in 1950!

Guys and Dolls was a chance for us to put on a classic, and we are so proud of the final result. Who needs Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando? This cast was a perfect blend of brilliant newbies and long-standing members, with some cast returning after quite a break away from treading the boards, sharing the limelight with some of our more recent regulars.

In another first for HAOS, the technical rehearsal went without a hitch and we were out early! Our production team had never worked together before, but we can safely say that it was a trio that hit the mark. Richard Armstrong translated his recent Wellington Rooms successes to the Victoria Theatre, with extraordinary attention to detail in many elements, an example being the marvellous 'RunyonLand' sequence with an inclusive style to showcase the full range of our membership.

Choreographer Gary Wilson-Mort brought a new style to the dance space, and he skilfully handled experienced dancers in the Hot Box routines and the breadth of the cast’s dance confidence in 'Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat' with calm and grace. We were delighted to welcome first time HAOS MD Anthony Martin who led the company through those familiar tunes and unknown harmonies with such a happy and caring manner, we all hope he will repeat that first soon!

The audience reactions were affirmations of the talent we know exists in our society, but more than that, Guys and Dolls will go down as one of the friendliest, supportive and most fun shows HAOS has done. A case in point was the cast celebrating Karen Bainbridge’s 70th birthday at a rehearsal - a lovely reminder of the commitment all our members show, the care we have for each other and how we are so much more than a club for 20somethings!

Oh. And if you were lucky enough to be in the cast of this fab show, you'll be pleased to know that we have officially decided to include “…and Brannigan” in all our future shows! ;)  -  a nice "in-joke" for our cast.