Interview: Timmika Ramsay, Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls is one of the best theatrical experiences that London has to offer. The production, now in its second year at the Bridge Theatre, has garnered great critical and audience acclaim and cleaning up at the awards ceremonies. We had the opportunity to chat with one of the performers who helps to create the success of this show, Timmika Ramsay to find out more about this special show.

Timmika Ramsay. Photo by Tara Rooney.

Hello Timmika, can you begin by telling us a little bit about yourself and what led you to this role in Guys and Dolls?

I’m an actress and singer who trained at Rose Bruford on the Acting course. I’m a new mother to my soon to be 1 year old son. When I auditioned for guys and dolls I was weeks postpartum and I had heard the show was amazing so I thought I would audition just to have some fun and sing. I didn’t think it would go my way as I still had “baby brain“ and probably should have been at home with my baby. But I had a lot of fun auditioning for Adelaide and I found out I got the job!  

You recently joined the production of Guys and Dolls, what appealed to you most about this show that encouraged you to audition?

My gorgeous friend Tino was in the show and everyone I knew who went to see her in the show said how incredible it was. So I thought I would give it a go. I knew Marisha was leading the show and I thought that maybe I would be a good fit and I could bring something to a role I never saw myself in. 

You play the role of Miss Adelaide, tell us about her and what is your favourite part of playing this role?

Miss Adelaide is a strong, charismatic funny character. A star in her own right! She owns the stage whenever she is performing at the hotbox and she brings that strength with her into her real life. She’s very smart but has vulnerable moments. She wants to believe that Nathan will change for her. And will give her the dream of being a wife and a mother. She does all of this out of a deep love for Nathan and not need for him to take care of her. I love all of the big numbers because I feel powerful but my favourite moments are when you get to see the vulnerable side of her! The lament reprise and Sue me are some of my favourite moments. 

You took on the role after Marisha Wallace, how have you created your own interpretation of the character?

I went into rehearsals with a fresh mind and envisioned myself as the role. How I would respond to these situations. Owain and I created our own relationships and took the time to find the nuance of this complicated relationship.

This production of Guys and Dolls is set in an immersive way. Why do you think this works so well with this musical?

Come and see it and you’ll find out. The way that it has been directed is what makes it work so well. I couldn’t have imagined this show the way it is but when I saw it I thought it should have been done this way all along. 

What is it like performing in a show that has such a close and intimate relationship with its audience?

Its fun! The energy is tangible. It’s also quite vulnerable because you have no where to hide. The audience see it all.

Guys and Dolls also features a memorable soundtrack, what is your favourite song and why?

My favourite song sit down cos I grew up in church and it feels like a gospel song. 

Why does a musical like Guys and Dolls have such a timeless appeal to audiences do you think?

The music is timeless and the story is full of joy. 

How do you wind down after a show?

I don’t. I have a child. But if he sleeps through the night I watch the office US! 

Finally, why should people book their tickets to see Guys and Dolls?

Because I’m in it. Joking because it’s an incredible cast and the story telling is like no other! You are fully immersed into the show and you will leave feeling inspired and joyful.