Portsmouth's Kings Theatre to stage Guys and Dolls in February 2027
The long-running musical Guys and Dolls will play at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth on 5 and 6 February 2027 in a concert presentation that reunites the show with a familiar local face. Jack Edwards, a Portsmouth actor who first took on the role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson in 2007, will return to the part and also direct the concert production.
Edwards has a sustained professional association with the show. He performed the role again in 2016 when the acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre staging transferred to the West End and launched a UK and Ireland tour, during which he led the touring company and subsequently joined the West End run alongside high-profile performers on that production.
What audiences can expect
The Kings Theatre describes the staging as a vibrant and heart-warming musical set in 1950s New York, featuring many of the numbers for which the show is known. The production’s repertoire will include songs familiar to musical-theatre audiences, underlining the presentation’s strong connection to its Broadway heritage.
“Packed with unforgettable songs, sparkling musical moments, and witty humour, the production combines the excitement of Broadway with a timeless story about love, luck, and taking chances.”
The concert will present the material in a format that highlights the music and performances while drawing on the direction of an actor who has been associated with the role for almost two decades.
Local impact and practical details
The return of a Portsmouth performer to a leading role for a show at the city’s principal theatre reinforces the venue’s role in attracting touring and high-profile productions. It offers residents an opportunity to see both an internationally known title and a local performer who has worked on West End and touring productions.
- Production: Guys and Dolls (concert)
- Lead performer and director for this staging: Jack Edwards
- Dates: 5–6 February 2027
- Venue: Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Show | Guys and Dolls (concert production) |
| Dates | 5 & 6 February 2027 |
| Venue | Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth |
| Notable contributor | Jack Edwards (Nicely-Nicely Johnson; director) |
Further information on ticketing and the full cast is expected from the theatre in the coming months. For Portsmouth residents, the staging is both a cultural highlight in next year’s arts calendar and a reminder of the city’s continuing links to national theatre tours.
