Annie

The story of Annie is well known, but to these youngsters it was new and the whole cast brought a freshness to the stage. The singing of the chorus of orphans, with the likes of A Hard Knock Life, all Warbuck’s retainers with N.Y.C and everyone in A New Deal for Christmas, was musical, clear and harmonised. Alongside, whether scrubbing the floors or as down-and-outs in Hooverville, their movements were focussed, energetic and well executed. Grace McIntyre gave a remarkable performance in the leading role of Annie. For one so young in character portrayal, she blended a strength of perseverance with a more vulnerable side in her unfolding affection for Mr Warbucks and his entourage. Her singing also reflected this with a hopeful Tomorrow and a haunting delivery of Maybe. Her frank personality clicked with Warbucks. Euan Emery gave us the ultra business man, who thought taking in an orphan would just be an arrangement for Christmas. His defences were breached by this little girl with her preference for his company. Determined to getting the look and character right, Euan also revealed his changing attitudes in a well sung and poignant Something Was Missing. As his PA, Grace Farrell, Freya Jones gave us a graceful and compassionate character under whose gentleness was a steel in dealing with Miss Hannigan. Freya Duncan exploited to the full Miss Hannigan’s despair at dealing with children all day, expressed clearly in her delivery of Little Girls. The orphans’ revenge on her led to some comic moments. Charlie Fleming threw his heart and soul into the wheedling, conniving part of Rooster. His partner, Nico Young as Lily St Regis, delivered the self seeking sidekick in looks and action. Together with Miss Hannigan, they gave an energetic and well structured Easy Street. Annie was well supported by the orphans Molly (Joy Neal), Pepper (Imogen Howison), Kate (Jessica Scott), Duffy (Carina MacGregor), July (Kyla Aileana Howie) and Tessie (Isabella Wilson). Other characters of note were Max Greene as a forceful President Roosevelt, Callie McPhail as a resourceful Drake and Emily Judic as a lively Bert Healey with the delightful Boylan Sisters (Zara Cox, Ciara Sherry, and Elspeth Kelly). Actions and scenes were well staged and costumes apt, particularly Warbuck’s staff in black and sparkles. Sound was effective and balanced also meaning that everyone was supported by the orchestra. There was lots of talent on display and all are to be congratulated on a fine performance which brought joy and pleasure to the audience.

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