Rebecca Trehearn to play title role Sweet Charity at Nottingham Playhouse

Olivier Award-winner Rebecca Trehearn will take on the title role in the Nottingham Playhouse’s production of Broadway hit Sweet Charity.

The Show Boat star will take on the central role of Charity Hope Valentine, the unlucky in love taxi dancer, in the major new production which will play the Nottingham venue from 31 August until 22 September, with a press night on5 September.

Announcing the casting of Trehearn in the production, Nottingham Playhouse’s artistic director Adam Penford said: “It’s the first time in several years that we have lead produced a musical and I’m thrilled Rebecca has agreed to play the role as Charity, I’ve been a big fan for a long time.

“This is a really exciting year for the Playhouse. From new shows, written by award-winning writers, to investing in the development of local talent, we’re taking more risks and sharing local stories, as well as presenting work that looks at the world through a wider lens.”

Also featuring former EastEnder Marc Elliott, Sweet Charity will be directed by Bill Buckhurst with lighting design by Joshua Carr and choreography by Alistair David.

With a book by Neil Simon which was based on Frederico Fellini’s screenplay for Nights of Cabiria, Sweet Charity features lyrics by Dorothy Fields and music by Cy Coleman.

Famously made into a film starring Shirley MacLaine, Sweet Charity made its Broadway debut in 1966 in a production which was directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse and featured his wife and muse Gwen Verdon in the title role.

Angela Thomas