Sweet Charity

It was a joy to return to the Wolsey to see IODS perform this iconic musical with all the well remembered musical numbers that will have you humming to them for the rest of the week. The set had been cleverly designed by Owen Berry with the large band set high on a raised level at the back of the stage with illuminated stairs leading downwards. It was completed with pop art posters and 6 extremely large industrial type spotlights leaving a large area of the stage free with plenty of space for the all so important numerous dance numbers. 

Emily Watt was stunning in the title role of Charity, the girl with the hope that one day she will find true love.  She is hardly ever off stage and kept up the pace and energy whilst also capturing all the comedy in her role. An outstanding performance by her.  Her two friends at the club are Nickie (Laura Mayhew) and Helene (Abbie Mcquitty). They are more realistic in their approach that true love really doesn’t come to those who work at the Fandango Club. All three give a strong and memorable performance of “There’s gotta be something better than this”.  Owen Berry is impressive in his dual roles of Vitorrio Vidal and with a commanding performance as he leads the cast as Daddy Brubeck in “Rhythm of Life”.  Kevin Harmer is the nervous and insecure Oscar Lindquist, which he portrays well. Mention must also go to Charlotte Duff as Ursula and Jonathan Davis as Herman, the Club owner. All of the supporting cast and ensemble bonded really well together in their individual characters.

As Choreographer, Luke Berry wanted to stay true to the style of Bob Fosse who conceived, directed and choreographed the original production. He gave us some innovative choreography with the whole cast injecting life and energy into all the dance numbers. The Fosse influence certainly shone through but with a bit of Luke’s own magic in the brilliant “Rich Man’s Frug”. It was a performance in itself! Talking of magic, we can always rely on Mike Wren to add his own special touch and inspiration to all the memorable numbers brilliantly performed by both the large cast and his 14 piece band.

Director, Sally’s idea in the club scene was to give all the girls totally individual personalities and then Rachel Buckingham found costumes to reflect that. It was very effective. Most of the cast had multiple characters to play and had numerous authentic looking costumes and wigs and with many quick changes.

With a minimal set the lighting was all so important and the concept worked well. So the audience were totally aware of what was happening the cast brought on a series of bill boards to narrate the scenes. The props were efficiently brought on whilst the action continued onstage, which was essential to this long production. However time flew by as we and the very appreciative audience were treated to a  professional performance and reacted with a standing ovation.

Catherine Dixey. NODA East Representative District E12

 

 

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