Annie Jnr

CLOGETTES

Neeld Community Art Centre,Chippenham,

Annie Jnr

Review – Jo Wilson-Hunt Youth Coordinator Noda South West, On behalf of Representative of DISTRICT 16 Debi Weaver  22.5.22

This was a totally endearing production from start to finish, with simplicity at its core. Recorded tracks were used which the young company had clearly used throughout the process which gave them confidence and vocal stability instilled by their MD, with only an hour a week to rehearse this is no mean feat. Working on a bare stage but for the odd piece of furniture the set was projected onto the cyc and this meant there was nowhere to hide, but, these young people didn’t need to. From the tiniest to the eldest they were confident and clear. Annie herself portrayed the cheek and sincerity required and sang beautifully, working well with her fellow orphans and ‘grown ups’. The girls (and odd young man) certainly let us know their life was hard but also had great fun. Miss Hannigan, Rooster and Lily made life hard for them with just the right amount of meanness. Grace did just that, brought grace to the stage and sang with great clarity, a real highlight. You may be tender in years but you showed great maturity and understanding of the role. Oliver Warbucks was portrayed as a real gentleman, excellent diction, poised and precise. Oliver and Grace worked so beautifully together bringing joy to the life of Annie with pure acting it was lovely to see. This production proves less is more leaving the audience with a warm glow and a spring in their step, congratulations to whole team this production was pure pleasure.

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