Sweet Charity is a full-scale musical production that tells the story of Charity Hope Valentine, an optimistic girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. The dance-centric production follows Charity’s fickle finger of fate as she winds her way through a parade of men who treat her badly. A classic, originally produced in 1966, it features a hit-packed score by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, a joke-packed script by Neil Simon, and is ultimately a vehicle for full-stage Fosse dance productions.
This production by Banstead Musical Theatre is directed by Chris Malone and choreographed by Karen Ward. Both Malone and Ward seem to have a thorough knowledge of the show and how the show should feel and look. By understanding the show and through narrative and dynamics, they have brought the very best out of their talented cast.
The female lead Charity Hope Valentine is played to perfection by Felicity Butler. We follow her ups and downs – mostly downs – in life and love. No matter what adversity she faces, she perseveres.
Felicity is phenomenal as Charity. She’s rarely off stage and has some huge song and dance numbers, like ‘If they Could See Me Now’ and ‘I’m A Brass Band’ to pull off, but boy does she achieve that. Felicity’s comic timing is zingy, and in her hands, Charity is endlessly endearing. I can only offer her the utmost praise and admiration for a stunning portrayal that she and the entire company should feel proud of.
Personal favourites of mine though were Monica Turnbull as Nickie and Emma Allen as Helene. Charity’s best friends at the Fandango Club. They have some great comedic lines delivered with sassy New Yorker wit, but underneath you can see and feel their vulnerability and how they ache to get away. Their duet “Baby, Dream Your Dream,” was sensational and their voices blended together perfectly.
James Turnbull played “Herman,” the brutish boss of the club, and did an impeccable job. It was a joyous moment to witness his rendition of ‘I Love To Cry At Weddings’. John Sutherland nails the accent and the rich vocals of “Vittorio Vidal,” the lovesick movie star who can’t unattach himself from Hannah Leopold’s “Ursula.” Together, they have great chemistry. Sutherland’s rendition of ‘Too Many Tomorrow’s’ was the perfect calm in the midst of the chaos of this production.
Max Marchesi’s portrayal of Oscar, the neurotic accountant who appears to be the answer to love-starved Charity’s prayers was brilliant in every way. Marchesi plays him with such schlumpy warmth and sweetness that you really do long for it to work out for them, right from their beautifully played first meeting, when they get trapped together in an elevator at the 92nd Street Y. And when this genuine guy inevitably gives in to his milquetoast side and is unable to overlook Charity’s past, Marchesi makes it as heartbreaking for Oscar as it is for her.
A Huge congratulations to all the cast and crew involved in Sweet Charity. It’s definitely worth going to see such a great show right on our doorstep. The show oozes the swinging scene out of every pore; from the sets, lighting, costumes, music and dancing. It’s a vibrant and stylised musical that just screams the 1960’s. It is also a show full of warmth, heart and humour. You are definitely in for an evening that’s full of fun, laughs and good times!
Sweet Charity is running until Saturday 12th Oct 2024 at Epsom Playhouse with tickets still available.
For More Details or to book your tickets head to the Epsom Playhouse website.
