GUYS and Dolls is a classic piece of musical history combining knockout songs with real New York wiseguys and a script literally peppered with gags and witty asides.

But were Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company wise in choosing such an ambitious project for their golden anniversary performance?

From the opening scene on Tuesday night (April 25) at Blackpool Grand Theatre, the stage was crammed with all Broadway life -- from a jogger to tour guides and even a drunk, which, while deserving merit for the clever use of a large cast, was a little confusing for the audience.

But then the real story began and the crowd were introduced to the double act of crapshooters Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet, alias Phil Hemmings and Kevin Melia, who worked well together.

Lt Brannigan of the NYPD is hot on the trail of the illegal dice game and so the search is on to find the new home for the gambling crew.

Hard-working leading members Roger Lloyd Jones, as the sharp-suited gambler Sky Masterson, and Tara Dempsey, as the Salvation Army mission leader Sarah Brown he cons into falling for him to win a bet, are energetic and enthusiastic.

But the high spots of the evening are a richly coloured Cuban dance scene as Sky Masterson tricks the godly Miss Brown into a dinner date in Havannah, the comedic antics of Shelley Chapman as Miss Adelaide and the wonderful voice and easy stage confidence of Phil Hemmings as Nicely-Nicely.

Guys and Dolls runs at Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday. Call the box office on (01523) 290190 for further details.