Annie Jr.

Annie has its origins in the hugely successful 1920s comic strip Little Orphan Annie. With a book by Thomas Meehan, lyrics by Martin Charnin and music by Charles Strouse; Annie premiered in 1976.

On Saturday the 14th June 2025, we were entertained by South Side’s  Blue team at the Corner House Arts Centre in Surbiton. It’s a charming venue with (thankfully) very effective ceiling fans. Toby had directed both Blue and Red teams. Laura Sharp was Musical Director and Stage Manager.

The programme was beautifully arranged, with plentiful information about the show and lovely photos of the two casts. It was exciting to see so many adverts for future productions.

The backdrop was an attractive pastiche of New York skycrapers…with a washing-line draped in front…to bring us down to earth. The lighting was very good. It was precise and colourful, although there seemed to be a bit of a problem with front centre.

The music was lovely and supported the songs very nicely. Some of the mic’d singers could have been a bit louder.

Props and furniture were very appropriate and well chosen. The costumes were generally very good. Particularly impressive were the array of servants’ uniforms (a real WOW moment) and the Times Square outfits.

Despite the small stage, Toby and Cloe had created good dance numbers, which were well performed.

All of the cast worked their socks offand their enthusiasm was huge. There was a certain amount of gabbling…but that can be put down to the enthusiasm of the team. The pace was fine and fast throughout the show.

Songs were beautifully presented. Maybe was a great opening number and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile was lovely…although two lads couldn’t quite manage that smile! The Tomorrow reprise made a terrific finale.

Molly Richardson, as Annie, was sweet and feisty,  sang Tomorrow beautifully and maintained high energy and a quality performance. She led from the front.

Marnie Collinson’s Daddy Warbucks had good characterisation and a lovely smile. Warbucks and Annie gave the gorgeous duet I Don’t Need Anything But You. Imogen Sanford displayed both efficiency and warmth as Grace, his secretary.

Phoebe Balmond was astonishingly mature as Miss Hannigan. She made the character brutal but needy and sang a strong Little Girls.

Joe Desai played Warbucks’ butler Drake…terribly correct but fun…with a wicked grin. Rose O’Malley seized the day as the exuberant Radio Announcer. And the lively villains of the piece were Isabelle Brassington and Stella Doycheva as Lily and Rooster. They duetted on Easy Street.

The atmosphere onstage and off was of high excitement. Thank you EVERYONE for such a joyful evening.

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