Annie Get Your Gun

MHAOS did a fine job in bringing to life the story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley in their production of Annie Get Your Gun. A love story set in a touring Wild West show, this show is choc full of some of Irving Berlin’s most well-known songs, such as There’s No Business Like Show Business and Anything You Can Do.

Karen Barker played a good Annie, especially in the more tender moments with Frank. Barely off the stage, Karen did a fine job at keeping the energy up throughout. Daniel Bower played Frank with confidence and charisma. Karen and Daniel were obviously at ease with each other on stage. I especially enjoyed the ballroom scene when Annie, even after being reunited with her love, couldn’t contain her competitiveness as she removed her coat to reveal her collection of medals, much bigger than Franks! Both impressive as always, were Terri Harrison and Steve Butler as Dolly Tate and Charlie Davenport, great supporting characters. Well done also to Nathan Davies who gave a committed performance as Buffalo Bill and Shaun Pollard as Sitting Bull. I was impressed with Aled Davies, who showed versatility playing both Foster Wilson and Pawnee Bill with aplomb. Lovely supporting roles for James Marjoram and Kate Smith as Winnie Tate and her suitor Tommy, who’s voices worked very well together. And a big bravo to Hanna Lord, Lucy Lewis and Ethan John for lovely performances as Annie’s younger siblings Jessie, Nellie and Little Jake; definitely brought the ahh factor!

An enthusiastic chorus with simple, but effective choreography from Director Julie Condon helped bring the feeling of the hustle and bustle of a touring company. The costumes were well sourced, very bright and colourful. This show can be a challenge to stage, with gunfire and tricks galore, but they were dealt with well by Geraint Sayers, Andrew Sturley and team. Set changes were well choreographed, mostly within scenes and the minimalist set was effective, especially with the additional use of projections. Sound worked well, not an easy task with so many gunfire sound effects! The large orchestra was led by Musical Director Marion Harris BEM.

After a challenging start due to the inclement weather conditions, MHAOS pulled together a colourful, energetic, feel-good show with some lovely characterisations. Bravo!

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