AUDIENCES are being transported back to 1950s New York this week at a high school production of the West End smash Guys and Dolls.

In full period costume and against a backdrop of the city’s notorious gambling scene, a cast of 45 students from Hadleigh High have already delivered two sell out shows this week, with the final performance tonight.

The story centres around four main characters, including Nathan Detroit, who has been engaged to Miss Adelaide for years but shows no sign of naming the day.

Another major character is gambler Sky Masterson, who meets up with local Salvation Army girl, Sarah Brown.

He ends up falling in love with Sarah and tries to reform his ways.

The Hadleigh students, aged between 12 and 16, have been rehearsing since September for the run of shows.

Musical director Jayne Macey said the annual productions give the music and drama department a chance to shine in what is essentially a science college.

She said: “The kids really enjoy it because it gives them the opportunity to work for something really big across all of the year groups.

“They have worked really hard and we also have an amazing team of ex-staff who have come back to help transform the drama hall into 1950s New York.”

Local primary school children attended dress rehearsals this week and were enthusiatic about the show.