Annie

It’s a tale as old as time……..oops, wait! Wrong show! But Annie really feels like part of the fabric of society with the musical having been first launched in 1977 (almost as old as me!) and the film in 1982 which is a staple of many a Christmas. It can be a challenge to take on a story so well known and present it in a way that audiences still respond to. DE Caversmill had no concerns on that score as the opening night audience loved it!

Opening night is both fabulously exciting and nerve wracking, there’s nothing like it! There was no evidence of any real nerves or gremlins though, and the odd little fluff was expertly handled by an obviously well-rehearsed cast (and probably nobody else would have even noticed anything). Congratulations to the production team for a very well executed show – I would have loved to have seen it again on the final night as there was the occasional feeling of “getting through” which is completely understandable on opening night (been there!) and I am sure that by the end of the run, that feeling of  “I have so got this!” would have provided even more zing across the performance.

The set was fantastic and kudos to the whole team for avoiding a total meltdown in the face of the wrong cloths having been sent that morning! Whatever you did to adjust and amend did not detract from a wonderful vista for the audience. It was simple where appropriate but suggested opulence where needed with scene changes mostly very slick. Props were appropriate and well used and costume was spot on across the board. Sound and lighting was good throughout and avoided the opening night gremlin curse.

The younger principle cast were split into teams and opening night saw us treated to “Blue Team” who were supporting the orphan ensemble. As always when watching a DE Caversmill production, we see just how amazing a younger group of performers can be when supported and coached to put on a production like this, ably supported by the adult principles and ensemble (and showing the results of the wider support and teachings of the whole production team).

Ava Shaw (Annie) – A confident and assured portrayal of Annie with a pretty flawless accent (as were all of them actually, across the whole cast) and a strong vocal. Perfectly captured the feisty yet caring nature of our young heroine. Ably supported by Annie’s orphan besties Pepper (Millie Dydl), Duffy (Lucie Woodworth), Tessie (Edie Burgess), Kate (Isla Bloor) July (Bella Bailey) and Molly (Hattie Chambers-Ridgeway) – great vocal performances across the board and good characterisation of their individual roles within Annie’s inner circle. The fantastic orphan ensemble rounded out this peer group making us, as always, root for the orphans in all scenarios.

And kids, your adults weren’t too bad but shhh, don’t tell them – you were still the stars!!! An experienced and talented cast formed the adult ensembled. Russ Williams brought Daddy Warbucks to life with his rich vocal, adding warmth to the famously cold character. Sue Williams as Grace Farrell demonstrated the tightrope that was essential to be walked when you love your boss but he’s about as approachable as Miss Hannigan on a dry spell. Speaking of, Tracy Dykes-Meredith brought everyone’s favourite orphanage manager to life with humour which was added to with the additions of her brother Rooster and his “classy” girlfriend Lily St Regis (named after the hotel years before Paris Hilton was even thought of!), brought to life by Wesley Walker and Lucie Middleton. Martin Popov (President Roosevelt/Bundles/Jimmy Johnson) and Jason Young (Drake/Fred McCracken) gave strong performances with a special note to Martin for acting within a wheelchair – it’s really hard to not move in a way that a wheelchair user actually can’t. The adult ensemble added richness to the cast giving a total ensemble that really brought the story to life.

But, sorry humans – the award to the biggest heart stealer of the evening obviously has to go to the beautiful Oakley as Sandy. It’s a very brave choice to go with a live animal (it must be the DoE spirit to work with both children and animals despite the old adage!) but Oakley smashed it and we are absolutely going to overlook the occasions he was looking absolutely the wrong way because that’s obviously where his handler and the treats were! No humans, you won’t ever get the same leeway!

I always like watching the audiences at a DE Caversmill performance and as usual, they showed their appreciation with a standing ovation – I am sure the first of several throughout the show week. Congratulations on a show that was 2 years in the planning and I look forward to panto season – oh yes I do!

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