Sweet Charity - Birmingham Youth Theatre

Following their 2015 productions of Bugsy Malone and Cinderella, Birmingham Youth Theatre presented Cy Coleman’s Sweet Charity at the Old Rep. The story follows Charity Hope Valentine, a girl down on her luck and with an increasing list of unsuccessful male relationships… but will this one be different?

The cast narrated the story well and there were some individuals who excelled in their roles. Jenna Simpson shone as Charity, bringing strong vocals and acting ability to the role - her accent was particularly commendable. She was supported well by Ellie Jay Hawthorn as Nickie and D'Arcy Sparrow as Helene who’s costumes and hair really realised the 1960s setting and their comic ability particularly stood out in Baby Dream Your Dream.

Ethan Terry stole the show as Herman with his 'cheeky chappy' take on the role and throughout his scenes, audiences were totally engaged with his comic timing and quick witted nature.

Costumes and hair dazzled the audience and gave a clear setting of a 1960s Britain, which was accompanied by a series of flying drapes providing the backdrop.

Transitions were at times slow with visible stage hands distracting the audience - occasionally breaking the narrative - but despite this, the cast held the story well and there was some particularly nice characterisation from Scott Jennings as the nervous Oscar Lindquist.

As a youth theatre group there is always an opportunity to challenge the group further and the company should be proud of what they have achieved. Sweet Charity brought the 'rhythm of life' to The Old Rep tonight, well done to all.