Annie

Making her directorial debut, Hannah Woolley has shown her Company in fine light in this production of Annie. MD Alan Gibson has, on the other hand, been directing musically since the last century, but continues with no less success! Hannah and Alan together with choreographer Mahri Smith form what appears to be an excellent, creative, Production Team, to which the cast happily respond.

This afternoon, the opportunity was taken during the overture to allow a walkover by members of the cast. This is the second show this week that I have sat through this procedure, and, if I may, call me old-fashioned if you like, my personal opinion is that an overture should be listened to and not treated as part of the action.  

Getting to the cast,  Miss Hannigan (Mhairi) gave a powerful performance as the “Kommandant” of the Orphanage where Annie finds herself. Hannigan presented cruel, but without turning the role into a pantomime villain. The named orphans, Kate (Hollie), Pepper (Olivia), July (Cami), Molly (Elise), Tess (Susie), and Duffy (Mya) were lively and enthusiastic with good delivery, which should also be applied to the remainder of the GAMA (Youth) chorus. Well done to all, both older and younger! I must also commend the entire Company for their choreography, which was performed with apparent ease and uniformity. Well done choreographer Mahri Smith.

In the title role Annie (played by Nina) she shone especially when coping with Sandy her new-found dog (performed with confidence (and a few treats), by Poppy). Nina managed to move and sing well, even while engaging fully with her canine friend.

As Grace Farrell, Warbucks’ personal secretary, Holly was excellent. She gave just the right believable level of professionalism and sincerity with her handing of Annie and of the formidable Daddy Warbucks played well by Robbie. Warbucks managed to get over the fact that he was unhappy in the presence of children, nevertheless his relationship warmed by the end of the show.

Rooster (Bethan) and Lily St Regis (Millie) joined forces with Miss Hannigan to complete the fraudulent trio, their rendition of Easy Street was one of the highlights of the show with confident harmonies and dance routines.

It always comes as something of a disappointment when you see youth actors coming to the end of their tenure for reasons of age, but this is tempered by the knowledge that one of the adult companies, either local or further afield, will benefit from younger members joining their ranks.

Technically, the show worked well with good sound and lighting. Sets, too, were in keeping with the show and their complexity was kept to a minimum, thus ensuring swift changes between scenes.

Overall a very enjoyable afternoon! Well done GAMA Youth and keep up the good work.

Many thanks for the invite to your show and for the hospitality shown during our visit.

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