Sweet Charity Review Melbourne 2026 by Craig Lawson
Sweet Charity at Chapel Off Chapel
There is something to be said for a show that still has you talking the next day.
After seeing Heirlume Productions’ Sweet Charity at Chapel Off Chapel with my sister, we found ourselves still processing the final moments over brunch the following day. What began as a sexy, sassy and wildly entertaining night took a darker turn that lingered long after the curtain call.
Set in New York City in the 1960s, Sweet Charity follows dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine and her fellow dancers at the Fandango Ballroom, dreaming of something better while navigating the highs and heartbreaks of life and love.
Erica Wild Shines as Charity Hope Valentine
At the heart of the production is Erica Wild, delivering a performance that makes you root for Charity from the moment she steps on stage. Wild captures her playful, quirky and kind-hearted nature beautifully, while her powerful vocals and infectious energy make Charity feel like the sort of best friend everyone wishes they had.
The intimacy of Chapel Off Chapel suits the production perfectly. A smoke-filled stage and moody lighting by Ruben Laine create an immersive atmosphere, with scenes flowing seamlessly from one to the next.
There are plenty of laughs, particularly during the clever elevator scene, while the dance breaks inject the show with energy and style. Tyler-Rose Shattock shines in several standout moments, with Jesse Matthews’ choreography embracing the iconic Fosse flair. Clancy Enchelmaier is equally impressive, effortlessly moving between Charlie, movie star Vittorio Vidal and the awkward Oscar Lindquist, bringing strong vocals and plenty of comic charm.
Classic numbers including Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This are crowd pleasers, while the ensemble performance of The Rhythm of Life is a standout, combining dynamic choreography with powerhouse vocals by Sarahlouise Younger.
Then Comes the Ending
Without giving too much away, the final moments shift dramatically. My sister observed afterwards that it was the silence following Charity’s heartbreak that made the ending so unsettling. The dancers simply gather around her, almost folding her back into their world, suggesting perhaps no one really gets to leave. It’s a darker interpretation than audiences may expect, but it’s also what had us talking the next day.
Sexy, sassy and packed with memorable songs and dazzling dance numbers, Sweet Charity is ultimately more than a feel-good musical. Beneath the laughter lies a poignant story about hope, resilience and the enduring desire to be loved.
★★★★☆
For more information and Tickets please visit https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/sweet-charity/
