Annie

Based upon the popular Comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”, by Harold Gray, Annie has music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin from the book by Thomas Meehan. This uplifting feel good musical is about Annie an orphan living in a New York Orphanage during the depression, she dreams of the day her parents will come and collect her and take her home, then one day her life takes a different turn when she is chosen to spend Christmas in the home of Billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

Directed by Liz Clarke with innovative, effective choreography from Steve Chesters and very good Musical Direction by Charles Moss, this was an enjoyable entertaining production with a number of very talented performers in the cast, but the star of the show has to be Faye Colebourn in the important central role of Annie who acted and sang admirably, with lots of confidence, enthusiasm and maturity, her rendition of the song ‘Tomorrow’ was delightful. Other very important performances were given by Mark Thomas who produced an excellent interpretation of the permanently inebriated, tough Miss Hannigan, the orphanage manager, although this part has been played on stage by a man before, for example Craig Revel Horwood, it was still a brave decision for the company to take, a decision I am very glad to say certainly paid off. Ian Lawson as Oliver Warbucks gave us a very good believable characterization as the hard headed businessman who had a soft and gentle side when it came to his relationship with Annie. Lucie Clarke also gave a lovely sensitive performance as Grace, Mr Warbucks caring and efficient personal assistant, Lucie must be congratulated on her excellent stagecraft as her microphone stopped working for long periods of time during the show but her diction and projection were first-rate meaning she could still be heard, so that her performance was not compromised in anyway and importantly both Lucie and Ian had a lovely rapport with Annie which is vital for the success of this show. Dom Tolley as Rooster Hannigan and Lauren Millar as Lily St Regis, produced good amusing characters, working very well together and making a good trio of conspirators with Mark as Miss Hannigan. Nathan Colman as the very proper but kindly Butler Drake, Jamie Lester as President Roosevelt and Craig Billington as Bert Healey all produced interesting characterisations in these important supporting roles. Another star and audience favourite was the wonderful cute dog Pine, who played Sandy, she behaved very well indeed.  Congratulations and well done should also go to all the children playing the Orphans Hannah Ridehalgh (Duffy), Megan Barrett (Tessie), Kenzie Ellison (Pepper). Erin Birch (July), Freya Latham (Kate). Nicola Powell (Maddie), Daisy Colebourn (Lizzy and Zahra Bhatti as little Molly.I particularly enjoyed their musical numbers, “A Hard Knock Life” and “Fully Dressed” they appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely throughout the performance. The ensemble also produced some interesting characters, giving strong performances and supporting the principle cast very well. Generally American accents were excellent, with good diction, meaning dialogue could be heard and followed easily. Choreography complimented and suited all the production numbers well, adding to general uplifting feel of the show and was executed very well by the cast. The orchestra conducted by Musical Director Charles Moss played very well, supporting and accompanying the cast excellently. Scenery was well designed and easily moved for maximum efficiency by cast and crew, which meant there were quick and smooth scene changes without being obtrusive to the action keeping the show at a good pace. Costumes were bright colourful, suited the roles and fitted the era well adding to the experience.

Congratulations and well done to Liz Clarke and to everyone involved in this uplifting excellent production. Thank you for inviting us and for your hospitality, we had a lovely evening.

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