MEMORABLE numbers feature in a famous musical being staged at Wilmslow next month.

Guys and Dolls is being performed by youth drama group TEMPO at the Evans Theatre at Wilmslow Leisure Centre from March 10 to 14.

This is a special year for TEMPO, as its co-founder and president Barbara Herd will be celebrating her 90th birthday.

Set in Damon Runyan’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is about a group of lovable rogues and the ladies in their lives, with memorable musical numbers including Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat and Luck Be A Lady Tonight.

The show tells the tale of gamblers Sky Masterson and Nathan Detroit, straight-laced mission member Sarah Brown and nightclub performer Miss Adelaide, and takes its audience from the heart of Broadway and Times Square to the clubs of Cuba and sewers of New York City.

Knutsford Guardian:

The Mission; from left, Elliot Blyth, Mia Connor, Holly Gibson

“We are very excited to be putting on Guys and Dolls in this extra special year for everybody at TEMPO, past and present,” said society chairman Alison Bisset.

“Without Barbara Herd there would be no TEMPO, formally SCAMPS.

“For over 30 years Barbara’s invaluable skills and experience have given many local young people the opportunity to perform in some iconic musicals, with some of the best directors, musical directors and choreographers in the region.

“Barbara gives of her time freely and provides invaluable support to the committee and members of the society; she is an inspiration to us all.”

Knutsford Guardian:

Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit: Honor Thompson and Jake Butler-Smith

Barbara started performing in amateur theatre in 1950, and became well known locally, often performing with her husband Peter Herd.

In 1983 she, along with Paul Walsh, decided to start a musical theatre group for local young people, and TEMPO has produced a range of shows, including West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Starlight Express and Cats.

Guys and Dolls performances are at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday, March 14 at 2.30pm.

Knutsford Guardian:

Barbara Herd

For more information and tickets go to tempotheatre.com or facebook.com/tempoyouthmt or call 07969 176148.

TEMPO, The Edge Musical Performing Organisation, is an amateur musical theatre company for young people aged between 10 and 20.

Pictures by Tony Ioannides