Tamzin Outhwaite to Star in West End Transfer of the Menier's Sweet Charity; Dates Set

Tamzin Outhwaite will lead the cast in the West End transfer of the Menier Chocolate Factory’s Sweet Charity. The production, directed by Matthew White, will begin performances on April 23 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and open on May 4, 2010. The show ends its popular run at the Menier on March 7, 2010.

Sweet Charity follows the misadventures of love encountered by the gullible and guileless Charity Hope Valentine (Outhwaite), a woman who always gives her heart and her dreams to the wrong man. The musical is based on the original screenplay for Nights of Cabiria by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano. It features a book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. The score includes many hits, including "Hey, Big Spender," "If My Friends Could See Me Now" and "The Rhythm of Life."

Originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity premiered on Broadway in 1966, where it ran for over 600 performances. The production won the Tony Award for Best Choreography in the same year. In 1967 the production opened in London at Prince of Wales Theatre, starring Juliet Prowse. A 1969 film version, also directed and choreographed by Fosse, starred Shirley MacLaine and John McMartin. In 1986 the production was revived on Broadway winning four Tony Awards, and again in 2005 starring Christina Applegate.

White’s production has choreography is by Stephen Mear, set design by Tim Shortall, costume design by Matthew Wright, musical supervision and direction by Nigel Lilley, orchestrations by Chris Walker, lighting by David Howe and sound design by Gareth Owen.

The West End production is currently booking through January 8, 2011. Further casting will be announced shortly.