Annie

Rosemary Gresty was at her best as the nasty, alcohol fuelled Miss Hannigan who rules the unfortunate orphans with a rod of iron, and she was also suitably aggressive

Annie (Emily Witby-Samways) sang and danced well and was very convincing. She was also very good at handling Sandy  The orphans made a good team, all playing their parts very well and their songs were well received by an enthusiastic audience.

Marked Hilton as Oliver Warbucks played the hard headed businessman well, who then melted to the charms of Annie.

KristianWalker (Rooster) and Eloise Georgina Bowen (Lily St Regis) brought out the comedy well – “Easy Street” is always good fun.   The other adult principals Grace Farrell (Shelley Anne Rivers), President Roosevelt (Mike Johnson) portrayed well their respective roles, the ensemble numbers were well sung and the show moved at a good pace.

The New York shanty town was very well depicted so you really felt you were part of the down and out’s struggle for survival.

The Radio Station scene, where the appeal is made to find Annie’s parents showed Miss Hannigan and the orphans listening to the show on the radio whilst still  pictures of  the studio action were shown on a screen – very innovative.

A good set design, most of which was on trucks which meant the scene changes were seamless.   Oliver Warbucks’ mansion was lavish, well dressed and beautifully lit.  However from where I was sitting on the left hand side of the theatre the Christmas Tree was not visible but I am assured that it was beautifully decorated.

At the end of the finale Sandy (Missy) had the last bark much to the amusement of the audience.

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