Annie Jr.

Annie Jr. is the abridged version of Annie, the musical based on the strip cartoon “Little Orphan Annie.” It focuses on red-headed Annie who shows amazing pluck and positivity, easily winning everyone’s hearts despite being abandoned by her parents to the evil clutches of Miss Hannigan. Looking at the cast list, you can see why it’s such a popular show with youth groups – there’s a part for everyone, so that they can all have their moment to shine, and FMS Youth Theatre most certainly did shine in this sparkling and energetic performance!

Fareham Live Studio 1 is not suited to big sets, so Director Graeme Clements’ choice of no set at all was perfect. A black box with furniture brought on and off by the hard-working stage crew, along with Ian Pratt’s moody lighting and some lovely costumes, were all that we needed to create the atmosphere; our imaginations filled in the rest.

Mabel Mulcare was Annie in the performance I saw. Her singing and acting were strong and confident, and she was bright, bubbly and instantly likeable. I’m told Phoebe Nolan who played Annie on other performances was equally good. Emily Fox was spot on as Miss Hannigan, the orphanage matron who hates children. She has a lovely singing voice, and her drunken acting was excellent – nicely underplayed. Daisy Ferguson made a splendid Oliver Warbucks, transforming from being always focussed on business to much kinder and gentler when he opens his heart to Annie. Phoebe Adams played his faithful secretary Grace perfectly, while Summer Parkins and Nellie Mulcare made a great comedy duo as con-artists Rooster and Lily.

Amongst the many supporting roles I must mention Jayden Speer who made butler Drake very upright and proper; Elias Jeffrey who got the character of radio presenter Bert Healy just right and Ernie Alsford as the adorable dog Sandy. Please don’t be upset if I haven’t mentioned you – everyone on stage acted, sang and danced really well. You were all totally engaged in what you were doing and the character you were supposed to be – not a bored face anywhere.

Sadly the Fareham Live microphone gremlins affected the otherwise very clear sound, cutting out unpredictably, but you all coped magnificently, just carrying on as if nothing had happened. Such professionals!

What a splendid afternoon I had watching your show. With your excellent singing, dancing and acting you told the story of orphan Annie so well. You had us hoping that she would escape from the orphanage, feeling sorry for all the orphans that were being treated so badly by Miss Hannigan, saddened by the news that Annie’s parents had died and then overjoyed at the happy ending. A real rollercoaster of emotions! Making people feel these things is part of the power of theatre and you did it brilliantly. Huge WELL DONE to everyone involved.

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