Sweet Charity – Theatr Clwyd

A musical delight with an extremely talented cast.

Sweet Charity, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields’ seminal 60’s musical with book by Neil Simon, isn’t produced as much as it should be, so it was a rare opportunity to see it at Theatr Clywd. The talented company of TIP TOP did a wonderful job and presented an amateur production with a professional feel. Under Steve Davies’ imaginative direction, Rhian Lyon’s dynamic choreography and Tim Jones’ excellent musical direction this was a delightful, entertaining evening.

Most will remember the film with Shirley MacLaine – the shy, generous, dance hostess who loses her heart too easily and always ends up with it broken. Shirley brought a quirky vulnerability to the role which was memorable and hard to follow. Here, Rebecca Snowden in the title role has a sweet voice with a lovely tone and is a strong dancer but her interpretation of the character is feistier and perhaps a little bit of vulnerability is lost. Nevertheless, she has some lovely comic moments (hiding in the wardrobe for one) and is very pleasing to watch. If they could see me now and I’m a brass band were particularly strong.

Playing opposite her as the awkward Oscar is Robert Lyon, who obviously has a wealth of experience in acting and singing.  We meet him first near the end of Act 1 in the famous lift scene, where he absolutely steals the show with his panic attack – a masterclass in comic acting and a great way to end the act, as we all came back wanting more.

Charity’s friends Nickie (Katie Barclay) and Helene (Bethany D’Avincourt) are certainly a strong double act with superb voices, both really portraying the characters of the dancehall girls trapped in their lives. Baby Dream Your Dream was a highlight.

With a large company, it’s impossible to mention everyone but as an ensemble they all work magnificently. The vocals are superb – from the raunchy Big Spender to the perfect harmonies of the Rhythm of Life and of course the joyous I always cry at weddings, led strongly by Herman (Matthew Richards) and Vittorio’s Too Many Tomorrows sung well by Robert Postyn.

It’s impressive to see a company attempt the Bob Fosse style choreography and in a relatively small space this company achieves a lot. Rhian Lyon cleverly using her non-dancers to great effect, as the men take on some funny stylized moments. Rich Man’s Frug was excellent. The singing was beautiful in every song but especially the Rhythm of Life.  Davies’ overall direction was colourful, slick and creative. Scenes like the Lift, the crowded bus, the rooftop -giving us wonderful stories and pictures.  

The simplistic backdrop of the New York skyline was perfect for this space – designed by Sarah Oxley, Pitstop Creations and constructed by Nigel Knight. All the backstage departments did a great job, but congratulations must go to Daivd Powell, Theatr Clwyd for the absolute brilliant lighting – it really enhanced the production.  Costumes were very good and with so many changes that worked well – the brass band was a standout moment filling the stage with red and white.  Well done Clare Thompson, Wardrobe.

All in all, this was a musical delight with an extremely talented cast who really pulled out all the stops and popped their corks!  Many of them having had some professional training and it really showed.  If you don’t know the story, I won’t give away the ending but it’s well worth seeing if you can grab a ticket. Ends Saturday.

Reviewer: Bev Clark

Reviewed: 12th June 2024

North West End UK Rating: