Sweet Charity (Heirlume Productions) at Chapel Off Chapel

Tragicomic in nature, Sweet Charity features a series of big musical numbers.

It premiered on Broadway in 1966, was nominated for nine Tony Awards (winning one for choreography) and continues to resonate.

With book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, it is based on the screenplay for the 1957 Italian film Nights of Cabiria.

Heirlume Productions’ iteration is big on energy, humour and heart.

Leading from the front as the ever-optimistic Charity Hope Valentine, who dreams of a better life, is Erica Wild, who gives the role their all.

They bring vulnerability and resilience to bear, while singing up a storm in a most impressive performance.

Set in and around a dance hall in New York City in the Swinging Sixties, Sweet Charity is Valentine’s story.

She is desperate to break free after eight years going above and beyond in servicing clients at the Fandango Ballroom.

She and her co-workers aren’t exactly enamoured with their place of employment, but they have no other means of support.

Charity has no family, no education and no skills, but she remains buoyant, determined to think the best of people.

We watch her through the prism of her colleagues and the “special” men who enter her life.

There is her married boyfriend Charlie, famous Italian movie star Vittorio Vidal and conservative accountant Oscar Lindquist, who just may be Mister Right.

And this is where Clancy Enchelmaier excels, readily tackling all three with confidence and flair.

Vocally too, Wild and Enchelmaier generate strength and conviction.

Madeline Pratt and Hannah Gutierrez Canon lean into their roles as Charity’s besties at work, Nickie and Helene.

They are forever calling out Charity for her rose coloured views.

Their boss, the pragmatic Herman, is played by Sarahlouise Younger.

She has a big voice and a strong stage presence, doubling down as Daddy, the enigmatic head of the Rhythm of Life church.

In fact, the 10-strong cast does the story proud.

That includes a number of well-choreographed dance moves, which choreographer Jesse Matthews has orchestrated.

Musically, Sweet Charity is potent. Musical directors Evan J. Lawson and Max Kielly make each note count.

The band, conducted by Lawson, ensures the likes of Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and The Rhythm of Life are most impactful.

There is clarity in Lukas Battey’s sound design.

Industrial style staging, including a metal bridge, from set and lighting designer Ruben Laine, serves the piece well.

Costume designer Zachary Dixon has called on intimate attire to convey the girls’ working environment.

Under the direction of Madison Lee, all have worked hard to readily convey the bittersweet nature of the narrative with verve and polish.

Two and a half hours, including interval, Sweet Charity is playing at Chapel Off Chapel until 28^th June, 2026.