Annie Get Your Gun

This musical, based on the true story of the life and love of stars of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show Frank Butler and Annie Oakley, is full of some of Irving Berlin’s most famous songs - from the show biz anthem “There’s No Business Like Showbusiness” through the wistful “I Got Lost In His Arms” to the comically confrontational “Anything You Can Do”. Laura Ferguson was excellent as Annie Oakley, changing with ease from feisty sharp-shooter to love-lorn young woman. Alan Matheson as Frank Butler was her match in every way – his rich baritone voice shining through in the duets “The Girl That I Marry” and “They Say It’s Wonderful”. Gill Smith Matheson was a delightfully sharp-tongued Dolly Tate and Keith Cuthill was a worthy cynical show manager Charlie Davenport. The secondary love story between the characters Winnie Tate and Tommy Keeler was sensitively carried through by Laura Cuthill and Millar Young. As usual Brian Mathieson, as Chief Sitting Bull, added greatly to the comedy in the piece. Strong support was given by Jim Ramsay (Buffalo Bill Coady), Steve Middleton (Pawnee Bill) and Caroline Fenwick (Mrs Wilson). Mention too must be made of the strong performances given by Emily Baird (Jessie), Alix Morland (Nelly) and Charlie Baird (Little Jake) as Annie’s siblings. The chorus sang and moved well in the company numbers. The set, based round a semi-circular circus ring, was simple but with the addition of a few props and bits of furniture changed easily and effectively from Big Top to Pullman Car to Cattle Boat to Ballroom. Costuming, in the main, was in keeping with the late 19th Century period of the piece. The 10 piece orchestra, under Gordon Smith’s baton, delivered beautifully Irving Berlin’s melodies ensuring the audience left the hall humming the tunes. Well done everyone at Brechin AOS for proving that in fact “There Is No Business Like Showbusiness”!

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