Annie

If I did not see this time-honoured show at least once a year there would be something wrong in the world of amateur theatre. It is a favourite with companies who have a youth group and it is indeed a crowd pleaser.

Glantawe Theatre Company gave us a great set upon which to stage this musical and well-sourced costumes. The ensemble was well-focused and sang their hearts out in the company numbers for which they must be commended.

The principals were well cast and mention must go to Lowri Paynter for a suitably non-sober Miss Hannigan, Russel Rees and Catrin Rees as Rooster and the “Dumb Hotel” Lily St Regis, both played well. Heather Rees was a very fine Grace and she truly did ‘grace’ the stage. There were lots of lovely cameo roles with Tim Barrell giving us a good Roosevelt and the Boylan Sisters, Catrin Rees, Telyn Evans and Paige McNeish giving a lovely vocal performance.

Special mention must go to Anthony Evans and his performance as Daddy Warbucks. He had just the right balance of gravitas and loveable daddy-ness and demonstrated a very fine voice indeed. The absolute star of the show for me was Annie herself, played by Erin Maggs as she was outstanding. She led the company on stage and had an amazing voice with a ‘belt’ that seemed to go up forever. I was so very impressed by this young lady and there is definite a future for her in musical theatre.

Many thanks to the entire company and I look forward to the next production!

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