There was a delay of more than 30 minutes while the fire brigade checked out a false alarm at Devonshire Park Theatre on Tuesday’s first night, but Eastbourne Operatic And Dramatic Society’s production of Guys And Dolls proved to be worth the wait.

We were treated to a sizzling performance by Nikki Leach in the starring role of Sarah Brown, the leader of a Salvation Army group who tries to save the souls of sinful New York residents but falls for gambler Sky Masterson.

Nikki, one of the theatre’s marketing team, superbly captures the coyness and demureness of the role.

She and Neil Sellman, as Masterson, have good chemistry and, although they aren’t note-perfect, they give a captivating rendition of showstopper I’ve Never Been In Love Before, with Nikki’s versatile voice capturing the song’s soft, sweet and strong variations.

James Bell (hustler Nathan Detroit) and Claire Robinson (his long-suffering fiancée Adelaide) also play off each other well, while The Hot Box dancers live up to their name, particularly Hannah Poynter and Paige Riddington.

But this production, lasting almost three hours, needs a faster pace. Director Nick Reynolds should have cut the less memorable moments from the 61-year-old musical, featuring an otherwise impressive score by Broadway legend Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.

Musical director Andy Gill makes full use of an excellent band, while Andy Newell’s imaginative sets and most of Teresa Smith’s dance routines ensure that this Guys And Dolls is visually appealing.