Sweet Charity

This show, with book by Neil Simon, has long been a favourite with clubs, as it has a choice of parts, some bigger than others, but gives scope to many skills. Theatre Guild’s choice of Lisa Dutch (Charity) was spot on, as she portrated the varied moods of this ‘mixed-up-kid’ admirably. Opposite her, Tom Marshall was perfect as the nervous, shy, claustrophobic Oscar, who showed genuine concern, but couldn’t stifle the thoughts of other men in Charity’s life. Equally inclined to show concern for Charity were fellow ‘escorts’ Judith Miller (Nickie) and Rachael Hepburn (Helene) from the slightly sleazy Fandango Ballroom run by Jim Munro (Herman). Charity’s unexpected escort James McShane (Vidal), dashing Italian lover, who threw her over on the return of Linn van der Zanden (flashy Ursula) provided some humour in his amorous attempts, not believed by ‘the girls’ back at the Fandango. The well-known score, with “Big Spender”, “I’m a Brass band”, “If My Friends Could See Me Now” featuring the well-drilled chorus and dancers, was never better covered than in the tricky “The Rhythm of Life”, with David Sturgeon (Daddy) as the leader. Lots of 60’s costumes pulled from wardrobes, I’m sure, as well as That Looks Good’s input made for a bright, colourful show which certainly pleased the full theatre that night. All in all, a well put together show, a happy efficient cast, an audience which left happy, satisfied with the performance they had seen.

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