A musical fable of Broadway containing memorable songs, made into an iconic film in 1955 with Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons and Frank Sinatra, has been staged all over the world and is now the hottest ticket in London. The immersive production of Guys and Dolls at The Bridge Theatre has been rocking’ the boat with smash hit reviews across the board. And where Brando led, Cypriot musical theatre star George Ioannides follows, having recently taken on the role of Sky Masterson. Last week, as he supped his afternoon caffeine hit, I caught up with him.
For somebody who has already taken on roles in several musical productions, including Mamma Mia, An Officer And A Gentleman, Annie and the lead role of Emilio Estefan in On Your Feet – and yes he had them on their feet – he is reflective and quietly spoken, unassuming almost about his achievements but clearly enjoying every moment of it.
“I feel lucky to be part of this and Sky is a really challenging role which makes it even more enjoyable because as a performer I want to continually create and progress.”
George describes Sky as a “performative masculine character, part of a traditional boy meets girl scenario, but Sarah Brown (woman he falls for) is far more knowing and so Sky has evolved into a more vulnerable man.”
Talk of masculinity and traditions inevitably took us to Cyprus and his upbringing. He smiles and hesitates slightly, “Ah yes, as a child I was continually made aware of the Cypriot blueprint – Study, Work, Family – but when I was young, I was continually singing and being theatrical, something perceived as ‘non-masculine hobbies.” His two sisters did not have the creative gene, their talents lay elsewhere, but despite what sounds like a scepticism about his career choice, the family were very supportive culminating in a fun time at the Novello Theatre during Mamma Mia. His now very proud father, who had been initially apprehensive about his son’s future, was seen waving a Cypriot flag animatedly! Perhaps his dad thought he was at Eurovision; his son was actually part of Junior Eurovision in his youth.
That moving away from Cyprus, and establishing himself in Britain, is clearly where he wants to be right now, but his roots, and heart no doubt, belong in the Eastern Mediterranean. He introduces himself as ‘Yiorgos’ and at one or two points refers to me as ‘Paniko’ – that’ll teach me to use the anglicised version of my name. He speaks with great pride about performing with THOK (National Theatre of Cyprus) and in venues such as the historic amphitheatres of Curium and Epidavros.
Considering he graduated from the Laine Theatre Arts in 2015, alumni of whom include Charlie Stemp and Ruthie Henshall, he has a come a long way fast. His eyes light up as he considers the future, “I have a wild imagination and having done mostly musicals does not mean I am limited to that…I don’t buy the model of that’s what you are as a performer, in fact I reject it.”
In full flow now he tells me about the classical work he has done, which includes the work of Aristophanes, and his desire to push himself. “Each production I have been part of has given me something new and stimulated me to want more.” As I press him to be more specific, he reflects for a moment and adds, “I have made peace with my curiosity”, which is an interesting expression. He expands by adding, “I am a creative and want to continually challenge myself in every way.”
Coming full circle back to those Guys and Dolls, he talks glowingly about the company, “And I really do mean the whole company, performers, musicians, stage managers, audience stewards all do an incredible job in making the show what it is.” I ask him to sum the show up in just three words and there is a long pause as he reflects once more. “Revolutionary, funny and moving – I have cried during some of the songs – and you have to experience it to know what I mean.” There you have it from the horse’s mouth.
In a world of headline hungry celebrities, many of whom fall into the talent deficit category, it is refreshing to converse with an artiste who is quietly assured without being falsely modest and a clarity of purpose in which direction he would like his already successful career to go…and his dad wouldn’t have to wave any more flags as his son is letting his talent do the talking. As we come to the end of our time together, I discover how George let’s his hair down or in his words exercises “self-care”, mainly with a diverse group of friends and reading being the key elements.
Before we part, he is also keen to express his thanks to Parikiaki for “being beside me since I started out on this journey.” A journey that has started extremely well and promises so much more. Two of the songs that Sky sings in the show are I’ll Know and My Time of Day, poignant and pertinent to where George finds himself today. Bravo Yiorgo.

Guys and Dolls at The Bridge Theatre – www.bridgetheatre.co.uk

Interview by Barney Efthimiou