Annie

I remember a certain catchphrase from my youth “ Well  now for something completely different” and this is what we had with the S.A.O.S  production of Annie. This is a show I know very well having performed it a number of times, but I have never seen it done in the way Ashley did. The vaudevillian theme was a huge success and the setting of a show within a show was quite inspired. From the first note of the Overture we were drawn into the performance , with all the cast in their black and white costumes setting the stage.

I have never seen 5 wooden frames put to such use  , well done. The ensemble was very good , many of whom played some of the minor roles. Special mention must go to Ben Smith as Drake and Others, Joseph Giblin as Bundles and Bert Healey, Jordan Shamsaee as the President, Fahad Alsayer Policeman/ Cabinet Member and Lowri Paynter as Mrs Pugh/ Wacky / Cabinet Member, that puppet was a bit scary , well done all.

Connor Edwards and Domi Jones really nailed it as Rooster and  Lilly,  their partnership worked really well and their “Easy Street” performed with Miss Hannigan was a definite show stopper. Domi those splits were amazing. I have watched both these actors in a number of Productions and I continue to be impressed with their performances.

Grace was played by Sarah Clatworthy and this experienced performer brought a great deal of charm to this performance.

The aforementioned Miss Hannigan was played by Rhian Morwood and this was a triumph for this actress. I loved her characterisation .  Well done Rhian on a stand out performance.

Ewan Forest took on the role of Oliver Warbucks, a slightly different take on the character but one I really enjoyed, Ewan seemed to have a lovely relationship with both his Annies and had a lovely singing voice.

As with most societies the company had two teams of orphans , I had the pleasure of watching both . Congratulations to Team Hannigan made up of Clara, Amelia, Olivia, Darcie, Ava-Brooke, Etta ,Eveley, Ava-Grace and Eira.

 Also to Team Rooster played by Eva-Rose, Livi, Grace-Lillie, Anna, Elsie, Gwenllian, Bronwen, Dottie and Elin. Well done each and every one of you. Your performances were really good and it was obvious you had put in a lot of hard work with Ashley and Musical director Danni

Annie was played by Hallie Smith for Team Hannigan, a very mature performance by this young 10 year old actress, well done.

Team Rooster’s Annie was played by12 year old Martha Griffin Jones and this was an exceptional performance. She absolutely had a belt of a voice and a lovely presence on stage. I think both of these young actresses have a great future ahead of them.

This was certainly a fresh take on this well loved musical, one which I really enjoyed and I must congratulate Ashley, Danni and all the cast and chorus on their performances.

I can't finish this review with a mention to Sandy the dog,  the puppet was well controlled by Connor, I loved the comic moment around “I called him Sandy because of his Colour”  . It was a black and white spaniel puppet. I loved it.

This innovative production shows that you don't need a huge expensive set to have a successful show. Good lighting and crew working as one with the cast was extremely successful.

Thank you to Rob, and all the team at S.A.O.S for their welcome once again.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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