Annie

Annie has music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin from the book by Thomas Meehan. The story is about an orphan little girl called Annie living in a New York Orphanage during the depression, and is based upon the popular Comic Strip “Little Orphan Annie”, by Harold Gray, Annie was left on the Orphanage’s doorstep when she was a baby, but she believes that her parents will one day come to collect her and take her home, her optimism helps her believe that each tomorrow will be a better day, this theme resonates throughout the musical and makes the story uplifting and inspiring. Then one day Annie’s life takes a different and surprising path when she is chosen to spend Christmas in the home of Billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

 Directed by James Kirby this was an uplifting enjoyable evening’s entertainment from the “Pilkington Musical Theatre Company” and Lana Cundle gave an admirable performance in the important central role of Annie, holding the stage as well as acting and singing, with lots of confidence, enthusiasm and maturity. The role of Annie was also played on the Thursday evening and Saturday matinee by Sofia Wilkinson-Hill. Simon Foster as Oliver Warbucks gave us an excellent characterization as the hard headed businessman who's soft and gentle side was brought out for all to see as his relationship with Annie grew deeper, Simon had a lovely rapport with Lana as Annie which was very important to the success of this show, the bond between the two was delightful. Other performances which were important to the success of this show were given by Katie Speakman as the permanently inebriated Miss Hannigan, the orphanage manager, Katie had good comic timing, worked well with the children and produced an admirable interpretation of this well-known character. Michelle Williams also gave a nice caring gentle performance as Grace, Mr Warbucks’s efficient personal assistant, Gary Lamb as Rooster Hannigan and Diane Glover as Lily St Regis, were very amusing characters, complementing each other very well and making a good trio of conspirators along with Katie as Miss Hannigan. Rob Hardie as the kindly Butler Drake, James Kirby as President Roosevelt and Bert Healey produced interesting characterisations in these important supporting roles.  Congratulations and well done should also go to all the children playing the Orphans, they all appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely throughout the show, their musical numbers, “A Hard Knock Life” and “Fully Dressed” were very enjoyable and well performed,they all shone in their roles but I would just like to mention Evie Harrington as little Molly who was delightful to watch. Another favorite with the audience was the wonderful cute dog Bette as Sandy, who behaved very well stealing the show at times. The ensemble also produced some nice characters and supported the principle cast very well. Generally American accents were excellent, with good diction, meaning dialogue could be heard and followed easily. Choreography by Anna Whittle complimented and suited the production well, adding to general uplifting feel of the show and was executed by the children and the cast very well. The orchestra conducted by Musical Director Wayne Oakes played excellently, at just the right level of sound, accompanying and supporting the cast very well. There were quick and smooth scene changes which meant the show ran at a good pace and sound and lighting also did a very good job. Costumes overseen by Wardrobe Mistress Ann Connolly, suited the era and story very well adding to the overall experience.

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

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