Concerned about heading off to New York in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy? Don’t worry! New York is coming to Woodford. New York 1920-style that is. Next February, we are being transported back through the decades to the 1920s, the era of flappers, bootleggers and gangsters. That’s right folks, Guys and Dolls the musical is coming to Bancroft’s School in Woodford.

Auditions started last month, and involved a short dance routine, a song and part of the script. After this stressful time, the final cast was chosen, consisting of lead roles, chorus, dancers and more.  However, not only do the actors have to remember all of their lines and associated choreography, but this must all be done in New York accents to add to the authenticity.

Rehearsals started almost immediately, and I’ve seen many of the actors and actresses walking up and down the school corridors speaking in American accents. It’s quite a sight! Max Llewellyn, 15, who will play the lead role of Sky Masterson, said “I have received coaching from a native New Yorker to make sure my accent is at least relatively authentic!”

Aside from the strict accent lessons that some of the students are taking, singing is clearly a big part in any musical, and Guys and Dolls is no different. Some of the cast, having never sung in public before, are having vocal coaching to improve their range and projection.

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek into the rehearsal process, and headed along to one of the Hot Box Dancing rehearsals. I was greeted by a group of squealing girls (in character, of course) gearing up for their big number. Although at the start of the rehearsal there was mild confusion as to who stood where, the location of the CD containing the music, and which leg you started on, it was amazing to see how quickly they improved. By the end of rehearsal, they seemed ready to perform right then and there!

I was even more surprised to learn just how much involvement the students were putting into the musical. They were very much involved in the choreography, with most of the Hot Box Dance choreographed by Charlotte Curness, 15, who not only is one of the lead dancers, but also gearing up to sit her GCSE level exams next summer. Talk about commitment!

There was even more squealing and excitement when the Hot Box Dancers costumes were revealed for the very first time, as suddenly, the far away concept of the musical suddenly became a reality. Even I got super excited, despite not actually being in the musical myself!

Max added “The rehearsals have been going well and the cast are all steadily improving”, and I whole heartedly agree. With the performances only a few months away, the musical is already shaping up to be a diamond, and with just a little bit more polishing, it’s sure to shine come February!