THE colourful, eccentric world of Damon Runyon has been brought to life by Blackburn Musical Theatre Company in spectacular style.

Of course they do have the advantage of staging a genuinely great musical, but plenty of societies have failed to do justice to Guys and Dolls in the past.

At the heart of the success are the performances of the four lead characters who bring real quality to the occasion.

Nicholas Gunn as gambler extraordinaire Sky Masterson was a revelation.

He had the presence and poise of a much more seasoned performer and was the real star of the show.

Running him close was Rebecca Worthy as Sister Sarah Brown, another young lead with an extremely bright future.

The audience fell hook, line and sinker for the charms of Sally Hindle as the ditzy Miss Adelaide who seems destined never to walk down the aisle with her beloved rogue Nathan Detroit, Jeremy Scoley.

This is a big production in every sense of the word from the large cast, excellently drilled by choreographer Katie Louise Fry, to a full sounding orchestra under the direction of Paul Nicholls.

Numerous slick scenery changes kept things moving at a cracking pace and for the audience there was something to enjoy throughout.

From the saucy Hot Box girls to the flamboyant costumes, every little detail helped recreate the almost cartoon-like world of Runyan’s Chicago.

Throw in some rousing musical numbers including Let Luck Be Your Lady Tonight and Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat and you can see why Guys and Dolls deserves to be a major success.

* Guys and Dolls runs until Saturday, May 14. Details from the box office on 01254 685500.