IT'S countdown time for St Philip's AODS, who stage the musical Sweet Charity from March 1 to 6.

The show, which has a memorable score with such showstoppers as Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and Rhythm of Life, is being given a new slant by director Paul Kirkbright.

He is setting the musical in New York, 1999, rather than the usual 1960s' setting.

"The show is as relevant to the 1990s' 'Generation X' as it was to the flower power generation of the 1960s," he said. "There's really no need to set it in the past. It's one person's search to fit in and I think that everyone can relate to that."

The production team, including Ian Stephenson as Musical Director and Barbara Grant as Choreographer is the same team responsible for last year's BEN Best Musical My Fair Lady.

Paul and Ian also received Greater Manchester Drama Federation nominations last year for Best Director and Best Musical Director.

Paul is optimistic that the society can match this success with Sweet Charity.

He said: "Charity is such a lively show with family tunes and strong characters. If you add the 90s twist to this, with a giant computer screen on the set and dancers dresssed in wildly exotic customes designed by Jean Foley, then you've got all the elements of an exciting show."

Among the cast are: Natalie Kirkbright, Jason Crompton, Heather Ogden, Teresa Harper, Gary Harvey, Kevan Worsley, Ian Duckworth and Lorraine Kenny.

Sweet Charity will be staged at the Parochial Hall, Bridgeman Street. Tickets may be obtained by contacting Barbara Holt on 01204 524800.

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