Annie

They say the success of a production is normally guaranteed or dismissed in the opening scene, and with “Annie” that privilege is handed to the youth to ‘grab’ the audience’s attention.
Well, under the very commanding performance of young Grace Bentley as ‘Annie’ the success was assured. Grace’s youthful exterior hid a powerful and tuneful voice that was clear and easily heard well beyond the ‘footlights’.  Grace was not simply a ‘voice’ but gave an accomplished acting performance that belied her ten years of age. Her fellow peer group ranging from the tiny ‘Tessie’ (Maisie Smillie) to some teenage occupants of the orphanage were equally vocal, and, without any sound reinforcement, all made themselves heard.  In ‘control’ of these precocious band of girls was ‘Miss Hannigan’, suitably played in drunken, unlikeable fashion by Isobel Wheatley.  Although the adult, Miss Hannigan was often at a disadvantage when up against her charges. Geoff Clifford-Brown and Rosemary Jones filled the roles of ‘Rooster’ and ‘Lily’ with ease in ‘Easy Street’.

Fulfilling the more salubrious aspect of New York life were Elsie McGowan and Michael Coulson as ‘Grace Farrell’ and ‘Warbucks’ and these two worked well together. The parental dynamic between Michael and Grace (Warbucks and Annie) was excellent, and these two bounced off each other, especially in the number “I Don’t Need Anything But You”.

Any production relies equally on the smaller, but equally important, roles of minor principals and chorus alike, and in this production the society was not short-changed with good performances by senators, servants, and radio station staff (including the Boylan sisters).  Special mention must go to Joe Makepeace, Vicky Baines and John Hannan as ‘Roosevelt’, ‘Star to Be’ and ‘Drake’ respectively.

Well done to Meg Childs and her musicians for keeping the volume under control so that it complemented, rather than overpowered, the performers.

I suppose you can’t mention the main roles of the production without giving a mention to Annie’s four legged friend – not just one of them but three!  The main special friend of Annie was played by ‘Mykee’ who enjoyed his/her time in the spotlight – not least because of all the treats they were being fed whenever on stage.

Well done to all at Ferryhill – especially Grace Bentley – one to watch for in the future...

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