Reader Reviews
Sweet Charity (Menier Theatre, Outer London)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Just seen matinee preview following transfer to the Haymarket. Totally in awe of Tamzin Outhwaite's energy as she is practically on stage the whole time. Thoroughly enjoyed the show. Very witty especially the first act. Anyone remember Kelvin from Eastenders? Take a closer look at Daddy! A great supporting cast / ensemble. Gets the thumbs up from me. - TERRY | 24 Apr 10 |
| I have always loved this musical but never been able to see a profesional stage production. well it was worth the wait this is by far the best musical currently in london and the best the chocolate factory has put out so far. The entire cast the set the direction the choreograpy everything was absolutely amazing i will definately be booking tickets for the transfer i reccomend this production to everyone I dont have a bad word to say about it. - Joshua Bird | 26 Feb 10 |
| Wow. Just home from seeing the show and still got a big smile on my face. This was another Menier hit - how do they keep doing it?? The cast were without exception superb, led by the wonderful Tamzin Outhwaite. What ever she's on I want some; her performance was intoxicating. I think I'm in love ;-) The perfect feel good show. A West End transfer must be on the cards. I NEED to she this show again!! - Paul Wallis | 22 Jan 10 |
| Well, the Menier have done it again. This is a brilliant revival of a show packed with great numbers - Big spender, If my friend's could see me now, Rhythm of life - with a real big band sound in this tiny theatre. The dance hall girls are as brassy as the band, as they should be, with Tiffany Graves and Josefina Gabrielle providing terrific support to the sensational Tasmin Outhwaite. Mark Umbers is great as all three men. Paul J Medford led a wonderfully choreographed Rhythm of life which brought the house down; in fact, all of the choreography was superb. My only regret is that the run is sold out so i can't go again! - Gareth James | 09 Jan 10 |
| It was my first theatre visit of 2010. Now, after Sweet Charity, the only way is down. This show is absolute perfection. - Job | 03 Jan 10 |
| Some of the songs from Sweet Charity are better known than the show itself - Big Spender, If They Could See Me Now and Rhythm of Life, which sounds like it should be from Hair. A brilliantly choreographed ensemble do well to breathe life into a piece which could appear terminally dated, never better than on a cynical and dead-eyed Big Spender, a song I usually detest. There is particularly good support from Josefina Gabrielle and Mark Umbers, who has previously impressed in varying roles from My Fair Lady to The Glass Menagerie. In the title role, Tamzin Outhwaite, unrecognisable from TV appearances, dances very well but her voice lacks light and shade. She captures Charity's naive sweetness but not her harder inner core and does not fully engage the audience's sympathy which neutralises the surprising ending. Sweet Charity represents another excellent Christmas revival for the Chocolate Factory but there are signs of complacency creeping in: the show is clearly designed for a larger proscenium theatre on the presumption of a West End transfer (it's already loud enough) and, although the 'Meal Deal' represents excellent value the food is now depressingly poor. - David Baxter | 28 Dec 09 |
| To be honest, the book is pretty week. When you reflect at the interval you realise that nothing much has really happened. So how on earth have the Menier managed to create such a fantastic and memorable night at the theatre ? The intimacy is unquestionably a key factor (its the first time I've been to this theatre, and I love the closeness to the action and of the audidence itself - it just adds to the atmosphere and performance), the sheer talent and energy of the cast is the other. Tamzin Outhwaite is a suprise as Charity. Her dancing and singing are a joy, and her comic timing sublime, and she proves herself more than capable of leading the cast. Charity is a very hard role to play - she's 'used-goods' in many ways but isn't cynical and must have a degree of innocence and vulnerability; this in addition to having excellent vocals and immecable comic timing and dancing, make it a challenge beyond many West End 'stars'. I think Outhwaite's just misses to convey the vulnerability of Charity (her continuous grim sometimes seems a little forced) however this is a minor quibble from an otherwise excellent performance. Josefina Gabriella is simply outstanding and arguably the pick of the performers; Mark Umnbers, who as the three lovers remind of us of the continuous circle of Charity's love life is also terrific with a sweet voice. However its wrong to single anyone out of such a strong ensemble. The direction and choreography in maximising the limited stage space is nothing short of a marvel. Sweet Charity will need to adapt if it's to survive a transfer, but at the Chocolate Factory you can go, sit back, and just love every minute of a show that will see you leaving the theatre with a grim from ear-to-ear having had a marvelous time. - Richard | 15 Dec 09 |
| Musical theatre simply doesn't get much better than this! Every single aspect of this production -direction, choreography, casting, design, lighting, orchestrations- is spot on; then on top of that there is the raw material itself: SC is undoubtedly one of the Broadway greats, with Cy Coleman's bouncy, brassy, enthralling score, Dorothy Field's tart yet heartfelt lyrics, and Neil Simon's pacy, witty script...and Matthew White has done it proud. Once again, Stephen Mear proves why he has now become a choreographer of international renown...his work here is absolutely thrilling. As for Tamsin Outhwaite, returning to musical theatre after some years, here is a genuine starry musical comedy turn that is by turns fun, heart-warming, deeply touching and sung & danced magnificently. It's a stunning performance, and one that could comfortably stand comparison with the best of Broadway. That the entire cast match her is an indication of just what a special night in the theatre this is: Mark Umbers is brilliant as Charity's hugely contrasting love interests, and Josefina Gabrielle and Tiffany Graves are sensational as C's dancehall sidekicks, Gabrielle also hilariously doubling as an overwrought Italian starlet. This whole show is a knockout, and if you can't get tickets for it here then be first in line to book it when it inevitably transfers. WOW! - ajh | 08 Dec 09 |
| Your reviewer is spot on! Cannot believe some of the newspaper theatre critics have only given this 3 stars! It was an absolute treat from start to finish! The whole cast are superb! Choreograghy perfect! Great simple sets, beautifully costumed and the orchestra magnificent! The whole cast and production team deserve huge praise for this revival! I cannot recommend it highly enough! - Steve Cornthwaite | 08 Dec 09 |
| I wholeheartedly agree with the main review....except for one point in the final sentence! The "sit back" bit!! The Menier Chocolate Factory is a fringe theatre ('Off-Broadway' for our trans-Atlantic cousins) and the seating is dire! (Think 'sardine'). Narrow bench-seats with low backs at 90 degrees to the benches. You will get to know your neighbours very well as you are squashed in so tightly. The MCF would be well advised to increase the ticket price and lose a few seats. To enjoy the show in comfort wait for the inevitable (and much deserved) West End transfer. Having said all of that...the show was definitely worth the pain! - Peter Searle | 06 Dec 09 |
| Terrific - Previous productions have always disappointed after the film, now we have one that measures up. The performances of the entire cast are superb - a west end transfer must be round the corner. Another big hit for the Menier. - Stuart Dean | 06 Dec 09 |
