Anne Get Your Gun

The production of this well-known show was the new, modern, and up-to-date version and is set in a circus ring which restricts the show’s original big scenes, now represented by various pieces of stage flats within the circus ring limitations. The show now opens with the famous “Show Business” number, and, from then on, we view the show through the narration of Buffalo Bill (a super performance this from a great look-a-like of the famous man from Paul Campbell). Broughty, you brought a brilliant production of this show to the stage and all the famous Irving Berlin songs were a joy to listen to. This show requires a fabulous Annie Oakley and, oh boy, did we have one – in the shape of Ashley Gormley, who sang, and acted her heart out throughout the entire performance! Her stage presence was immense, in her acting, mannerisms, and she also had the right voice to “belt out” the likes of “Doin’ What Comes Naturally”! This was a classic performance and she was an absolute natural. But her hard demeanour takes a knock when she sets her eyes on sharpshooter Frank Butler and falls in love with him. Despite seeing him as a “swollen-headed stiff”, Richard Waghorn brought all his stage experience to the fore to make an arrogant Frank Butler change into a personable and believable human being. Both he and Ashley have much of the musical score songs to sing ranging from duets and solos, and both coped with this admirably. As the show’s young singing and dancing duo – Tommy Keeler and Winnie Tate – Finlay Mckillop and Beth Henry showed great talent for future productions and didn’t put a foot wrong! David Newton made an excellent Charlie Davenport with his many comic lines and Jill Davidson, despite only having a few bars of music to sing in the show’s Opening(!) showed her acting prowess as the “catty” Dolly Tate! The only Red Indian character in the show was Alan Calder McNicoll as Chief Sitting Bull, who wisely brought his wisdom and judgment to ensure that Annie and Frank lived happily together! Also giving great support to the main principals was Lisa Murray as hotelier Ma Wilson and Sandy Kennedy as rival show owner Pawnee Bill, and Annie’s family “kin”, almost stealing the show at their every appearance – Marsha Smith (Jessie), Hannah Shepherd (Nellie), and Charlie Clark (Little Jake). Broughty, you certainly proved There’s No Business Like Show Business!

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