Annie

ANNIE the Musical

March 31st 26
Exeter Musical Society

Northcott Theatre
Director Lyn Burgoyne

Musical Director Rob Young
Assistant Director Chloe Sharland
Choreographer Nicholette Pollard

If ever there was a truer saying than this,” The Show Must Go
On” This was an understatement, as the role of Oliver
Warbucks had to be taken on at the last minute by Martin, a week before curtain up! This is an enormous
undertaking, and no one would not have known, as he
performed the role superbly and all this, despite being bitten on
the hand by a dog two days before the first night! What an
achievement, so special congratulations to him and the rest of
the cast who supported him so well.
The casting was superb, with every character being played
excellently, the night I attended was the first night and the Team
Macy’s were performing.
What a great set, the dormitory of the orphanage was excellent
along with Warbucks Mansion with a grand staircase.
The staging was used to full advantage by all the actors, just
great to see, with super groupings etc, lighting was used to very
good effect, choreography was outstanding, the direction was
skilfully executed, and the orchestra made a super sound and
,most importantly you could hear every word of the dialogue
and singing.
This production oozed with quality. A production well done and
EMS have everything to be proud of!

Annie -Lottie
Made a wonderful Annie, she sang beautifully and showed
great maturity when her wig fell off, she was unfazed, never
faltered and just kept going, the sign of a great performer, at so
young an age. A splendid performance and which bodes well
for her future.
Lottie was backed up with a great set of youngsters playing the
orphan’s I have to mention Molly - Ruby whose gestures
and timing was a joy to watch, also Pepper -Josephine 
had some great reactions when the letter was read out for the
umpteenth time! Along with Duffy-Allysa ,July-Rosie,, Tessie- Olivia ,Kate -Rose, Elsie-
Niamh, Lizzie -Jemima  and Betty- Bel.
,they all had their part to play and sang and performed with
great enjoyment greatly appreciated by the enthusiastic
audience .
Miss Hannigan -Alisha
Got her character buttoned up right from the word go, nursing
resentful feelings towards the orphans and the world in general,
and a spiteful bully to boot! Her timing was spot on, singing was
superb and importantly didn’t overact, remaining a vulnerable, if
flawed human being.
Bundles, the laundry man -John  performed well, trying
desperately to avoid Miss Hannigan’s amorous advances
FDR/Lt Ward -Gareth
Was in fine voice and was very convincing as the President his
accent was not over the top and got it just right.
The Boylan Sisters – Flo , Summer and
Sophie, harmonised wonderfully well in the radio scene
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile “just gorgeous! and

loved the costumes. Their bored expressions when not
performing were terrific
Grace -Totty
Came over as a very efficient secretary, who would do anything
for Oliver Warbucks, this role was a credit to her plus she had a
fine singing voice.
Drake -John
Had great stage presence as head butler, walked with style
stepping over the orphan as if nothing would faze him, together
with super singing and good timing!
Oliver Warbucks – Martin
Played the role with such distinction and expertise a truly
outstanding performance that I simply was stunned to think he
learnt the character within a week!
He had a great American accent and singing voice. Had the
overbearing confidence of a very wealthy and powerful tycoon,
tempered by the sudden and unexpected tenderness he felt for
this vulnerable little girl. A grand performance
Rooster -Miles
Performed his character with energy, skill and comedy together
with moments of real wickedness. He looked good as a small-
time failed villain and sang with energy and skill. Great stuff!
Lily St Regis – Samantha
An over-the-top accent so needed for this role that did not
disappoint. A first-rate singing voice, great costume, super hair
and makeup. Stunning performance!
Bert Healy-Nic
This was a character performance Taylor made for Nic!

He came over very well indeed smiled throughout, and sang
well Understood and interpreted the character perfectly
Justice Brandies/Mrs Greer -Sara looked every inch a
judge with gravitas and authority, which also worked for the,
very much in charge, housekeeper
The Cabinet
All had great accents, were convincing and sang well.
Mrs Pugh,/Bev and servants all had their part to play
along with fine choreography and singing A good ensemble is
so vital to a musical show and each part adds so much to the
finished performance.
And lastly, Sandy-Maisie
They say never work with animals, what a load of rubbish I
would give anything to have done so with Maisie, she looked
super and you could hear the “ahs” when she first appeared.
what a performance and impression she made, Maisie
appeared a very docile dog loving all the attention and
occasional dog treat, Annie handled her well, not easy when
you are acting and singing and controlling at the same time! I
have seen productions of this show where a puppet dog was
used, quite understandable, but never the same.
All the rehearsals, time and effort put into this production was
well worth it and judging by the audience cheering and clapping
with enthusiasm it paid off.
You achieved everything you set out to do with a cracking show
that everyone could not fail to enjoy, so a heartfelt thank you
and many congratulations all round.
Graham Liverton
NODA Immediate Past President

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