Annie

I knew it was going to be a great show as we settled into our seats to look at the wonderfully constructed set that rose to the full height of the Palace Theatre stage. A notoriously difficult stage to design for, Bradley Green, the set designer (he played Daddy Warbucks too but more of that later!) had used every inch of the sloping stage with beautiful cloths and side cloths (legs) formed from a map design. The illuminated ‘Annie’ sign, hanging centrally, pulsed with different colours as the overture progressed. The hazers set up high gave a great loft—style atmosphere as the overhead lights isolated parts of the stage. I must say that when the interior of Oliver Warbucks mansion was revealed I was convinced that the set had been hired. A double set of sweeping staircases led to the upper stories of the mansion and looked spectacular. When I enjoyed a chat with the creative team at the interval they could all show me the blisters formed from painting the staircases in the last couple of days. Congratulations to everyone who built that set, it looked terrific and functioned well as a performance space and, more importantly, all built by the company!

The story of Annie revolves around the children in an orphanage and, in particular, one orphan named Annie. I was lucky enough to see Team Roosevelt on the night I visited but I know that team Hoover must have been equally impressive! My apologies for not mentioning all the girl’s names but Dara, as the pint-sized Molly, was bewitching on stage. She was just the right amount of ‘cheeky and precocious’ without going overboard. All the girls were singing their hearts out especially in the songs ‘Hard knock life’ and ‘Fully dressed’. They were so confident and in character all the way through. Well done to you all. Annie, on the night I was there, was played by Ava and she played the part superbly. Her voice was strong and her acting confident. Her performance was really engaging and her song, ‘Tomorrow’ was beautifully sung.

Miss Hannigan, played by Ami Roberts, obviously enjoyed every moment of this part! She was deliciously horrible to the orphans who delighted in tormenting her, and her interactions with the crooked and scheming Rooster, played by Lee Keremezo, and Laura Harper as Lily (named after a hotel!) were one of the highlights of this show. I loved this trio; they worked so well together and all sang beautifully especially in Easy Street.

Rebecca Pooley, as Grace, combined the quiet competency of her job with her vulnerable, caring side when interacting with Annie. This is often a tricky role to play but she did it very convincingly. Oliver Warbucks was played by Bradly Green as a larger-than-life character which was very effective. The White House scenes with Franklin D Roosevelt were very slick and amusing. The American president, played by Darren Harper, possessed the most amazing voice and the whole song Cabinet Tomorrow was great fun.

The ensemble were obviously kept very busy with lots of smaller parts and costume changes. I must mention the Boylen Sisters, Stephanie Paul, Nicola Bott and Keeley Spence, who treated us to a great Andrews-Sisters-type close harmony song, Fully Dressed, during the really amusing radio advert scene. I really enjoyed the small comedic interjections such as the spilt drink with subsequent sliding incidents, the audience applause instructions not to mention the puppet admirably operated by Stephanie Wilson. Jamie Redgate as Drake, the butler, had great timing and facial expressions and the ensemble really threw themselves into their individual roles.

My apologies for not mentioning more of the cast by name but I was too busy being fascinated by the action on stage to make more notes! You looked as if you were having a great time and took on all your roles with enthusiasm.

I really enjoyed the interval chat with the creative team and I must applaud the company for encouraging new people to join and try out the production side of any show. Some were experiencing choreography and direction for the first time and looked suitably exhausted but euphoric. They were happy to share reflections on how they did, as well as future plans. Congratulations must go to directors Tim Cater and Heather Smith, as well as Assistant director Vancha Ayris, for fostering this supportive atmosphere. The choreographers, Tiffany Stevenson and Sophie Clarkson along with their Assistant choreographer, Lindsay Blakesley, produced some great dance routines for the children and adults. Ashton Moore as the MD has done some sterling work with the cast to produce some great songs and harmonies and it was fabulous to hear the live orchestra, led by Assistant MD Alex Wood, all through the show.

One last credit must go to the signer, Leesa Cameron. I attended a signed performance and I am always blown away by the fluency and talent of signers for shows. Thank you for this, Leesa, I really admired your work.

Thank you so much to the company and the front of house team for looking after me so well. I really enjoyed my evening with you.

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