Abbey Gate College students have been rockin’ the boat with their production of the classic musical Guys and Dolls .

The streets are teeming with gamblers, including the likes of Nathan Detroit (Will Stuart), Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Joe Kelly) and Sky Masterson (Nick Bradley), who spend their time betting and watching shows, starring Miss Adelaide (Isabel Wheatland), at the Hot Box.

It has fallen to Sergeant Sarah Brown (Libby Smith) – leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission – to stop these men from sinning anymore.

Nick Bradley and Libby Smith
Nick Bradley and Libby Smith

The four performances of this hit West End musical featured a cast of 53 pupils ranging from Year 8 to members of the upper sixth.

All have been rehearsing the choreography, acting and singing since the beginning of September.

Head of drama Charlotte Andrews was in charge of acting and choreography, while both director music Stewart Smith and music teacher James Andrews taught the vocals and accompanied the singers.

Sixth form pupil Georgie Hook was assistant director and the staff and pupils worked tirelessly to put together a fabulous show.

The Hotbox dancers
The Hotbox dancers

Charlotte Andrews said: “Each night was a sell out and the spontaneous standing ovations from the audience prove what a triumph the show was and what great talent we possess at the college.

“Even though the college has a tradition for sending pupils to the National Youth Theatre, the fine acting talent is not restricted to those for whom this is a passion and indeed the two female leading ladies were taking lead roles for the very first time.

“I would like to thank all those who contributed in any way to the success of this year’s musical and we look forward to the 2014 productions with eager anticipation.”