The West End's sweet on Sweet Charity

The sell-out Menier Chocolate Factory production of the Tony Award-winning musical, starring Tamzin Outhwaite in the title role of Charity Hope Valentine, is opening soon at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

The Stage Technologies rental department provided three BT250 winches with an Illusionist desk, which is operated by the theatre’s assistant stage manager. One winch is used for a stage track to move various scenic elements; the other two are used for a performer flying swing which lifts a performer over the stage – the winches are mounted in the grid on a frame directly attached to a 4-metre ladder, to which the swing is attached.

‘Sweet Charity’ is loosely based on Fellini's screenplay for Nights of Cabiria. The original Broadway production opened on January 29, 1966 at the Palace Theatre and ran for over 600 performances. The 1969 film version starred Shirley MacLaine and John McMartin. It has been followed by numerous successful revivals.

‘Sweet Charity’ played a limited season at the Menier Chocolate Factory from November 2009 until last month. It transfers to the Theatre Royal Haymarket this month, playing to audiences from the 23rd April with a press night on the 4th May. This production is currently scheduled to play in Toronto in March/April next year.

Thumbnail credit: Catherine Ashmore