Sweet Charity

Whilst “Sweet Charity” may not be familiar to some googling it reveals  so many well known songs, 'Big Spender', 'Rhythm of life', 'If my friends could see me now', to name a few.

Trevor Wilson as Musical Director had gathered more than usual into his Orchestra, 16 in fact. From the Overture, they gave us a real full blooded resounding sound during the show. The orchestra complemented the singers rather than overcame them throughout.

Director, Richard Bainbridge brought the show together with some lovely quirky moments. Charity’s near drowning in the lake gave a great opening, introducing us to the chorus members, they showed enthusiasm throughout the show, especially during the opening of act 2 with 'Rhythm of life'. The audience loved it.

Choreographer Nic Jenkins must have worked extremely hard through rehearsals for the show, from the opening at the Fandango Ballroom where the Dance hall hostesses were trying to catch the eye of a gentleman, to the smart Pompeii Club, and on to the wild Rhythm of life Church, great variety and spirit, well done. I particularly enjoyed the Pompeii Club, the black and white costumes worked well with the synchronised moves. (A nod here to the wardrobe mistress Tessa Currigan and her team, some fabulous costumes within the show.)

The Show is the story of Charity, a dance hall hostess looking for love and respectability. Emma Greenhalgh played this part to the full. Hardly ever off stage she sang and danced with guts and gusto, never loosing the hope and fun of her character, a wonderful performance.

In charge of the dance hall team were Adele McNally, playing Helene and Emma Brown, playing Nickie, both girls gave strong performances, their duet “Baby dream your dream” showed off their musical ability as well. The girls dance hall team all gave a polished performance and certainly looked the part in their glitzy costumes. Trying to keep the girls under control was Herman played by Roger Kiddle, always certain of a comic performance we were not disappointed, in the number 'I love to cry at weddings'.

During the storyline Charity meets three men , the first (Charlie) try’s to drown her, the second the famous actor Vittorio Vidal takes her home but then locks her in his closet, and she gets trapped in an elevator with the third, Oscar Lindquist.  Vittorio played by Phil Bargwell, portrayed well the Italian star with just the right amount of snootiness. Oscar played by Paul Philips was a real treat, usually backstage during the shows following the lighting plot he was persuaded to step into the limelight this time. Paul had developed the shy, indecisive character that Charity grew to love, but in the end he just can’t cope with her past and had to call off the wedding, Charity in her inevitable way shrugs her shoulders and moves on to a new day.

All in all a most enjoyable evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.