Annie

To have sold out all six performances of a production in a near-500 seat theatre before the curtain rises on the first night is an unusual, possibly even unique experience but such was the case here. Whilst possible financial consequences resulting from poor attendances have seldom been known to cause performances to suffer, the knowledge that a full house awaited every appearance on stage must have encouraged every member of the cast to pull out all the stops even more than usual.

This was certainly what came across and, although I can only comment on the team of orphans on duty on the night I attended, I am sure the same will be true of the others.     Emily Belcher gave a superb performance in the title role, showing great confidence on what was her first night in front of an audience and it was easy to see how the otherwise business-like and perhaps hard-nosed Warbucks and later even the President could fall for her charms. From her first appearance she displayed a natural affinity with her character, a fine singing voice and, appropriately after leaving the orphanage, a winning smile. She made a fine leader of an excellent team of girls. Gary Holmes played the billionaire in a calm yet dignified way so that his eagerness to adopt the orphan came, quite correctly, as a natural onsequence of his time with her. There was also a fine cameo performance from Gavin Mills as Roosevelt which captured all the touches and nuances we would expect from the great man. If only there were such a candidate in the forthcoming U.S. election!

Of the somewhat less trustworthy characters, Ruth Graham and Richard Upton gave their usual fine performances as the two Hannigans and, in her first principal role for this Society, Lizzie Gravestock provided excellent support as Rooster’s sidekick, Lily. Natalie Page played the part of Grace with great warmth towards both Annie and, if he did but realise, Warbucks too whilst cockapoo Monty threatened to steal the show as Sandy. Smaller parts were all well cast and the Company was supported by a good orchestra under a Musical Director making his first appearance in the pit with this Society. As ever, the entire production showed all the touches we have come to expect from such an experienced Director.

A couple of innovations worthy of note: audience members at some performances had a free programme included in the price of their ticket, which did result in some contributions in lieu of payment for the Society’s charity, appropriately Martin House Children’s Hospice. The run of performances ended with a Sunday matinee which, I understand, was one of the first to sell out.

Finally, I was delighted to be asked to present a 40-year bar to Christine Littlewood, a veteran of 30 principal parts for the Society, not to mention 9 years as Chairman. Congratulations.

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