MUSICALS & OPERA: SWEET CHARITY

Published on Thursday 7 August 2008 22:23

SWEET CHARITY *** BEDLAM THEATRE (VENUE 49)

ONE of the greatest American musicals is quite a challenge for a group that's only in its second year, but Northumbria University Musical Theatre Society pretty much pull it off here. The story of the luckless yet ever-optimistic dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine demands great voices, decent acting and, ideally, kick-ass dancing. Well, none of the players here would give Shirley MacLaine a sleepless night, but what the heck, they work hard and sell the routines.

Claire Wallace is the sweetest Charity you could want, and Richard Brownlie-Marshall – who is also co-directing, with ensemble member Zoe Thomas – is superb as her neurotic beau, Oscar. And Fandango Ballroom girls Emily Ashton and Becky Warburton own the stage in their numbers.

Not the slickest show on the Fringe, but loads of fun from a company with bags of talent. Sweet.

Until 16 August. Today 8pm