The countdown has begun for Harrow Light Opera Company’s production of the popular musical Sweet Charity.

“The cast has been busy rehearsing for the last three months, and now with less than four weeks to go, they are working harder than ever to produce a show to rival the best amateur and professional productions,“ says Rachel Permutt from the society.

“Members hail from all across north London and the home-counties from Borehamwood and Bushey to Hemel Hempstead and Highate to Ruislip and Rickmansworth, but their passion for musical theatre brings them to rehearsals in Hatch End up to three times a week.

“These are not full-time performers, but people who have regular jobs during the day, and enjoy treading the boards in the evenings.

“From accountants to administrators, from doctors to designers, Harrow Light members are from a range of backgrounds, but come together to produce the highest standard of amateur dramatics, and enjoy the social aspect of belonging to the company.

“The show is proving both popular and challenging with cast members. Learning the dance-style of Bob Fosse has been tricky, but everyone is working hard to bring the numbers together.“ The show, by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, book by Neil Simon and originally choreographed by Bob Fosse, is guaranteed to leave audience members humming the tunes all the way home.

Expect well-known songs such as Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, There Must Be Something Better Than This, Rhythm Of Life, Brass Band, I Love To Cry At Weddings, and the signature tune Sweet Charity.

Actress Kerry Lee will play the role of Charity, Emma Bowles and Elise Allanson will play Nickie and Helene respectively, and the production is being directed and choreographed by Matt Fowler.

Sweet Charity is at Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth, from April 23 until April 27, from 7.30pm. Details: www.harrowlight.org.uk